The Canadian Football League (CFL) is cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct as it announces a series of fines levied against five players for various violations during Week 1 of the 2023 CFL season.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ Mohamed Diallo Faces Consequences: Defensive tackle Mohamed Diallo of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats has been fined by the CFL for unnecessary roughness. Diallo’s infraction involved a play against Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman Geoff Gray. The league found that Diallo’s actions exceeded the bounds of acceptable play.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Brandon Alexander Penalized: In a game that witnessed high tensions between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, defensive back Brandon Alexander has also been fined. The CFL determined that Alexander was responsible for a high hit on Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Kiondré Smith.
Special Teams Violation for Hamilton’s Carthell Flowers-Lloyd: Another Tiger-Cats player, defensive back Carthell Flowers-Lloyd, faced disciplinary action with a fine for executing a low block during a kicking play. This type of block is considered dangerous and is not tolerated by the league.
Ottawa REDBLACKS’ Bryce Carter Faces Fine: Bryce Carter, a defensive lineman for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, is among the players fined by the CFL this week. Carter’s penalty comes as a result of unnecessary roughness during a play involving Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo. The league deemed Carter’s conduct in the situation to be excessively aggressive.
Edmonton Elks’ Ed Gainey Fined for High Hit: Lastly, the CFL handed out a fine to Edmonton Elks defensive back Ed Gainey for a high hit. Gainey’s hit on Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Jake Wieneke was seen as dangerous and not in keeping with the league’s standards for player safety.
No Disclosure on Fine Amounts: In accordance with CFL policy, the league has not disclosed the specific amounts of the fines. This is standard practice, as the focus is on ensuring that players adhere to the rules and maintain a high level of sportsmanship on the field.
The Canadian Football League is showing that it takes player safety and sportsmanship seriously. Through these fines, the league is sending a clear message that any form of dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
