CFL reinstates former Roughriders receiver Ajou Ajou

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The Canadian Football League has reinstated Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou, it was announced on Tuesday. He is free to sign with any team, though he must serve a six-game suspension.

Ajou’s reinstatement was contingent on the completion of 15 mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, a psychological assessment by another independent expert, and a meeting with CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston.

In April, a third-party investigation determined that Ajou violated the league’s gender-based violence and harassment policy after he made what the league termed “aggressive and unwelcome physical contact” with multiple women at a Regina restaurant. The alleged incident occurred shortly after the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Grey Cup victory.

“Protecting the safety and well‑being of our communities is non‑negotiable,” Johnston said in a statement at the time.

“Our players are expected to lead with integrity and serve as role models. When improper conduct occurs, our policy is clear, and we will enforce it without exception. It is my hope that Mr. Ajou learns from this experience, and that other players take this unfortunate situation as a reminder of the standards we uphold.”

The 24-year-old was assessed a suspension of at least six games and promptly released by the Roughriders.

“The Saskatchewan Roughriders do not tolerate gender-based violence or harassment and Ajou Ajou’s actions go directly against the values we hold as an organization,” said Saskatchewan vice-president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day at the time.

“We hold our players to a high standard, one that focuses on integrity and treating people with respect. He failed to meet that standard and is no longer a Roughrider.”

The league has indicated that Ajou will face stricter consequences for any future violations of its gender-based violence and harassment policy, including a possible lifetime ban.

The native of Brooks, Alta. was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 CFL Draft and played 12 regular-season games as a rookie, making 20 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns.

The six-foot-three, 218-pound target signed a contract with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts that offseason, but was released before returning to Saskatchewan. He played eight regular-season games in 2025, recording 22 catches for 212 yards. Ajou also started in the Grey Cup, making two catches for 13 yards.

The allegations against Ajou have not been tested in court.