CFL voids contract of Euclid Cummings, citing unspecified criminal charges

The CFL has voided the contract of B.C. Lions defensive tackle Euclid Cummings after learning of unspecified criminal charges.

The team has also issued a statement that says the case is “before the criminal courts and under a publication ban.”

According to B.C. general manager Ed Hervey,  the team was not aware of the criminal case when it signed Cummings to a free agent deal in February.

Have been told Cummings' deal with B.C. was worth $150,000 that included a $70,000 signing bonus which the Lions can't recoup and will have to include on their cap. #CFL

— Dan Ralph (@danralphcp) March 7, 2018

“We were given no indication by the player or his representation that these charges existed,” Hervey said in a statement. “I assure our fans, partners and supporters of the CFL across Canada, that we would not have offered him a contract had we known about this situation.”

Cummings played with the Edmonton Eskimos last season, recording 21 tackles and eight sacks. He began his career with the Argonauts in 2014 and played two seasons in Toronto before joining the Bombers in 2016. He’s played in 53 games, registering 62 tackles and 19 sacks.

Here’s the statement from the CFL:

 “Upon learning of the criminal charges facing Euclid Cummings, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has voided his contract with the BC Lions. As these charges are before the courts, the CFL will offer no further comment.”

And from the team, attributed to Hervey:

“We support the Commissioner’s decision to void the contract of Euclid Cummings in light of criminal charges he is currently facing. We were given no indication by the player or his representation that these charges existed and I assure our fans, partners and supporters of the CFL across Canada, that we would not have offered him a contract had we known about this situation. Given that matter is before the criminal courts and under a publication ban, we will not be offering further comment.”