Statement Regarding the BC Lions from CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon
September 1, 2009 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
On Friday, August 21st, following player introductions and prior to the start of their game, British Columbia Lions gathered at centre field and made an offensive gesture towards their opponents, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The league office pursued this matter with the Lions organization, which immediately indicated its strong disapproval of the players' actions, and sought permission to express that disapproval by imposing its own discipline. I have now been advised it has taken the following steps:
* The Lions organization has publicly acknowledged this behaviour was "embarrassing" and should not and will not be tolerated.
* The Lions organization has extended an apology to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
* GM and Head Coach Wally Buono along with all 42 players on the roster that night have self-imposed a fine of an unspecified amount, the proceeds from which will be used to make it possible for a significant number of underprivileged Vancouver youth to attend an upcoming CFL game.
I want to commend the Lions organization for its decisive response, and take this opportunity to remind all of our players, teams and associated personnel that when we respect our opponents, we respect our game, our league, and ultimately, our fans.
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About the Canadian Football League:
The Canadian Football League is our league. It's built on a tradition as proud, staged on a field as broad, and played at a pace as exciting as the country we are proud to call home. Our championship game, the Grey Cup, is the biggest single annual sporting event in Canada. And the 97th edition will be played on November 29, 2009 in Calgary, Alberta. For additional information, visit CFL.ca.
Canadian Football League Stories from September 1, 2009
- Lions release Gary Butler - B.C. Lions
- Argos Sign Receiver Jason Carter - Toronto Argonauts
- Riders Set For Fan Day - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Statement Regarding the BC Lions from CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon - CFL
- Johnson Earns Second CFL Defensive Player of the Week Award - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Lewis and Ryan honored for Week 9 efforts - Calgary Stampeders
- Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week 9 - CFL
- Riders add Jason Armstead to practice roster - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Sam Etcheverry's funeral arrangements - Montreal Alouettes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
