B.C. Lions’ Deontai Williams receives max fine for high hit on ‘defenceless’ Dedrick Mills, two others punished

Photo courtesy: Zach Dittberner/B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions defensive back Deontai Williams has been hit with a maximum fine for a high hit against a defenceless receiver in Week 11.

The incident occurred on the final play of the third quarter in B.C.’s 30-26 victory over the Stampeders. Stampeders’ running back Dedrick Mills attempted to catch a checkdown in the left flat when Williams flew in out of control, launching himself like a missile to dislodge the ball. The defender’s shoulder did appear to make incidental contact with the back of Mills’ helmet, but no penalty was assessed.

Mills was later seen walking to the locker room and was ruled out with a head injury; his status remains unclear with Calgary on a bye this week.

This is the third time that Williams has been sanctioned for an illegal hit in his CFL career. In 2025, he was fined for a spear to the head of Edmonton receiver Arkell Smith. In 2024, while he was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the 29-year-old was suspended one game for an illegal tackle on Ottawa receiver Kalil Pimpleton.

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the maximum amount a player can be fined is equal to half a game cheque. Williams’ punishment is estimated at $2,278 based on his reported salary this season.

Since joining the Lions last season, Williams has been a regular starter at nickel. Through nine games this year, he has amassed 42 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception.

In addition to Williams, two other players were fined for actions in Week 11. Winnipeg defensive lineman Michael Fletcher was reprimanded for a high hit on Ottawa quarterback Jake Maier, while Toronto offensive lineman Brandon Kemp was punished for delivering a tourist hit on Edmonton defensive lineman Noah Taylor.

The CFL’s department of health, safety, and integrity manages league discipline involving fines. The committee includes chief football officer Greg Dick, vice-president of officiating Darren Hackwood, associate vice-president of football operations Ryan Janzen, and associate vice-president of health and safety Eric Noivo.

As per league policy, the league does not announce the dollar amount of fines, discipline related to dress code violations, discipline involving teams or staff, or discipline involving players who have been released.

The B.C. Lions (4-5) will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3) at BC Place Stadium on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Roughriders are coming off a 26-19 upset loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the Lions beat the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 30-26.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 620 CKRM in Regina or 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver.