CFL suspends Josh Hagerty two games for striking Liam Talbot, two others disciplined

Photo courtesy: Paul Yates/B.C. Lions

The Canadian Football League has suspended three players for their actions during the B.C. Lions’ Week 15 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

B.C. defensive back Josh Hagerty has been suspended for two games for striking Montreal running back Liam Talbot, while B.C. defensive back Ronald Kent Jr. and Montreal defensive back Don Callis have each been suspended for one game.

Hagerty is alleged to have punched Talbot twice in the groin area on separate special teams plays, neither of which was penalized. An exclusive report from 3DownNation on Wednesday revealed that Talbot underwent season-ending surgery for an injury sustained as a result of the punches, which was described as potentially “life-altering” by sources familiar with the situation.

The 28-year-old has played 13 regular-season games with B.C. this year and made two starts, tallying 11 defensive tackles and nine special teams tackles. The Regina, Sask., native has played 69 career regular-season CFL games with the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, and Lions.

Hagerty’s punishment is tied for the second-longest suspension for an on-field incident in CFL history, joining Khalif Mitchell and Simoni Lawrence. Former Saskatchewan defensive lineman Garrett Marino holds the record for the longest suspension for an on-field incident at four games, though that punishment was actually three suspensions served consecutively for different offences in the same game.

Kent Jr. has been suspended for inciting an altercation after he retaliated against Montreal receiver Tyson Philpot for a late hit out of bounds on the B.C. defensive back Cristophe Beaulieu in the third quarter. The forceful hit from behind kicked off a sideline brawl that ultimately resulted in three penalties. Kent Jr. told 3DownNation post-game that he regretted his actions and had apologized to Philpot.

The 26-year-old has made 12 starts for the Lions at field-side halfback this season. He has made 24 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass knockdowns, and one interception.

Callis has been suspended for leaving the bench area and striking B.C. defensive back Deontai Williams during the ensuing melee. He was not penalized during the game.

The 25-year-old has played five regular-season games and made two starts this year, recording nine defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and three pass knockdowns.

The two Montreal players who were penalized for their role in the sideline altercation, Philpot and fellow receiver Tyler Snead, did not receive supplemental discipline.

After the game, Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander also alleged that B.C. defensive end Mathieu Betts had engaged in dirty play during a tackle in the second quarter. Betts was later disqualified from the game in the fourth quarter after being assessed a second misconduct penalty, but was not fined.

The Lions won the game 48-29 to improve to 7-6, while the Alouettes fell to 10-3.

The CFL’s department of health, safety, and integrity manages league discipline. 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. CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston has broad discretion to award suspensions.

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 maximum allowable fine under the collective bargaining agreement is half the value of a game cheque.

Callis will serve his suspension on Friday, September 18, when Montreal visits the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9). The punishment’s for the two Lions players will commence following their bye week, when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-5) on Friday, September 25.