PLAYER DISCIPLINE — WEEK #2

TORONTO — The Canadian Football League announced today:

Saskatchewan Roughrider Chris Best has been fined for a low block from behind on Toronto Argonaut Cleyon Laing.

Hamilton Tiger-Cat Adrian Tracy has been fined for lowering his head and leading with the crown of his helmet, making it the main point of contact as he hit an opponent.

As per league policy, the amount of the player fines was not disclosed.

CFL Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge issued the following statement on the Tracy fine: “There has been significant interest in this play as it resulted in an injury to Winnipeg Blue Bomber quarterback Drew Willy, which forced him out of the game. As Adrian Tracy was closing in to hit Willy, the quarterback was already in the process of being tackled by another Tiger-Cat, which changed Willy’s body position and put his head in Tracy’s path. However, Tracy had a responsibility to avoid lowering his head and hitting his opponent with it. Leading with your head,and using it as the main point of contact, is illegal. It is a dangerous and unnecessary manoeuvre that puts both the tackler and his opponent at serious risk of injury. It is standard we must uphold as we strive to protect player health and safety.”

Glen Johnson, Vice-President of Officiating, added: “Player safety is an important priority and there should have been a penalty on the play for unnecessary roughness.”