Roughriders support Marino over suspension; injured Redblacks player decries 'vile' comments
CBC
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are supporting a defensive lineman who has been been suspended for four games by the Canadian Football League, the longest penalty ever dished out for in-game behaviour by the league.
The suspension was issued last Friday after the Roughriders' 28-13 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.
Garrett Marino received a two-game suspension for a dangerous and reckless low hit on Ottawa quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, which resulted in serious injury and Marino's ejection from the game, and for Marino's subsequent celebration of the hit.
He received a one-game suspension for verbal comments made about Masoli's heritage 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.
The league also cited Marino's discipline record after 12 CFL games, which includes a previous ejection and two fines for his manner of play.
"I think a message had to be sent, I really do. And I think he got it loud and clear," Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson said on Tuesday.
"I think it's just sad, sad deal for everybody. You know, there's 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 everybody involved, including Jeremiah and including our guy."
Along with the suspensions, Marino received a stern message from commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
"This behaviour has no place in our league," Ambrosie said in a written statement on Monday. "This discipline is intended to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated."
The league also cited Marino's discipline record after 12 CFL games, which includes a previous ejection and two fines for his manner of play.
Dickenson called the suspension "severe."
"It's unprecedented. I think for what he did on the field, it's a little harsh."
But Dickenson said Marino knows that his celebratory reaction after Masoli went down was a big mistake. He said the team does not condone that behaviour and does not want to encourage it.
As for the comments Marino made toward Masoli, Dickenson does not think they came from a racist place.
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