The Montreal Alouettes will begin life without suspended defensive end Shawn Lemon against the team that he placed bets in favour of.
On Thursday, an independent arbitrator ruled to reinstate the indefinite suspension for Lemon issued by the CFL in April, pending the results of a delayed appeal hearing on August 1-2. The 35-year-old is accused of betting 70 Euros (approximately $100 CAD) on a two-game parlay in 2021, including one in which he played for the Calgary Stampeders.
Lemon had played the first four games of the season while awaiting appeal, recording six tackles and one sack. However, the arbitrator agreed with the CFL’s request to re-impose the suspension after the veteran pass rusher’s representation sought to push the appeal hearing by another month.
The Alouettes were forced to adapt on short notice and will start veteran Avery Ellis, who has four defensive tackles and two special teams tackles this year. Rookie Jordan Domineck will also get his first taste of CFL action after recording 187 total tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in 53 collegiate games for Georgia Tech, Arkansas, and Colorado.
Backup cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc (hamstring) is the lone addition to the six-game injured list this week. The veteran of 52 NFL games has recorded four special teams tackles this season and will be replaced by former Hamilton Tiger-Cat David Vereen.
The Montreal Alouettes (4-0) will host the Calgary Stampeders (2-1) on Saturday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
