“I want to apologize for my actions that day, as I understand that they have no place in the game of football…I also apologize to Jeremiah Masoli of the Ottawa Redblacks, as I did not intend to injure him. I have tried over the past few days to connect with him directly and will continue to do so.  Regarding the comments I made during the game, I regret that I said them, as I now understand their consequences…

This was not my intent when speaking on the field, nor is it ever my intent in my day-to-day life.  I know I play the game with an edge, and during the game I made an insensitive and culturally stereotypical remark. I now understand this was hurtful to my peers and I hope I can be forgiven for that misunderstanding…

I take pride in being a good teammate and a valued member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club. I did not intend for my comments or actions to be hurtful, and I take solace in my teammates, knowing that I stand with all of them, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.  I will not be commenting on this matter again but will be working to better myself as I serve this discipline and prepare to rejoin my teammates on the field.”

As I reported last time, the CFL has decided to suspend Marino 4 games…an amount that seemed a tad too lenient—despite the fact that it was the first time someone was suspended for so many games—to some….

Marino has decided not to contest those days, taking his punishment on the chin, as they say, but is it too late? Has the damage been done? Many feel that yes it most definitely has, and a dark cloud has been placed over the team and Marino himself. Some people would say there’s no coming back from something like this.

In the end Masoli felt wronged and abused and he most definitely was. There’s absolutely no denying that, and he is justified in however far he decides to take this if he so chooses to take it further; his prerogative.