Roughriders back Marino over suspension; injured Redblacks player slams ‘despicable’ comments

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are backing a defensive lineman who has been suspended for four games by the Canadian Football League, the longest penalty ever issued for on-play behavior by the league.

The suspension was issued last Friday following the Roughriders’ 28-13 win over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Garrett Marino received a two-game suspension for a dangerous and reckless low kick on Ottawa quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, which resulted in a serious injury and Marino’s ejection from the game, and for Marino’s subsequent celebration of the for sure.

He received a one-game suspension for verbal comments made about Masoli’s legacy during the game, which violates the CFL’s Code of Conduct. And he received another one-game suspension for his illegal and reckless tackle of an Ottawa offensive lineman on a previous play.

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The league also cited Marino’s 12-game CFL discipline record, which includes a previous ejection and two fines for his play.

« I think a message had to be sent, really. And I think he got it loud and clear, » Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson said Tuesday.

« I think it’s just sad, sad business for everyone. You know, there are no winners in this. I understand the league had to come down hard and send a message, and they did. But we feel bad. We feel bad for everyone involved, including Jeremiah and including our guy. »

Along with the suspensions, Marino received a stern message from commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

« This behavior has no place in our league, » Ambrosie said in a written statement Monday. « This discipline is meant to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated. »

The league also cited Marino’s 12-game CFL discipline record, which includes a previous ejection and two fines for his play.

Marino « just made a mistake »

Dickenson called the suspension « severe ».

« It’s unprecedented. I think for what he’s done on the pitch, it’s a bit tough. »

But Dickenson said Marino knew his celebratory reaction to Masoli’s fall was a big mistake. He said the team does not condone this behavior and does not want to encourage it.

As for Marino’s comments towards Masoli, Dickenson doesn’t think they come from a racist place.

« I don’t think Garrett is a racist. I know Garrett personally. I know how much he’s grown over the last year. You know, we’re not going to turn our backs on a guy who’s shown so much growth in a short time last year, » he said.

« I’m telling you, he was rough around the edges last year. He still is. But it’s been a transformation in terms of reacting to what other people are doing and saying on the pitch and also in the dressing room. . »

Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo also said he was supporting his teammate.

« We just want to support Garrett, obviously, through this tough time. It’s tough, » Fajardo said.

However, he added, there is no excuse for Marino’s behavior.

« [It’s] the theater after the play, which disappointed us all,” Fajardo said. “We see a guy on the ground wincing in pain and the last thing you want to do is celebrate, so it was very disappointing to see that. «

« He’s got a lot better character, a lot better morale than that. He just made a mistake. And emotions run high during a game, and sometimes you’re not all there. »

Fajardo says Marino feels terrible about the situation.

« Afterwards, he told me he didn’t know Masoli was so bad, so that’s when I think the emotions took over. »

Fajardo says he is praying for Masoli’s recovery.

Masoli takes the floor

Tuesday evening, Masoli sent a tweet at the CFL about the incident and its aftermath.

He said the ‘apology’ given by the head coach was weak and ill-informed. He said he received no apology from Marino, Dickenson or any Saskatchewan executive.

« After playing 12 games and already with a previous ejection and two fines prior to this incident, it’s clear Garrett Marino can’t control himself, » Masoli tweeted. « It’s unacceptable behavior on top of the embarrassing way he celebrated while I was down showing how proud he is of his dirty ways. »

Masoli said the worst was the « despicable and disrespectful » type of behavior and racial slurs that Marino directed at him more than once.

« It’s sad that hatred, racist attitudes and racial slurs are punished with a slap on the wrist, » he tweeted.

Masoli said he was preparing for surgery and looking forward to the challenge of rehabilitation and recovery.