Riders’ perennial all-star OL Brendon LaBatte will not play in 2021

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Canadian offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte will not play in 2021 according to Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day.

He re-signed with the Riders through the 2022 season last December.

The 34-year-old LaBatte has been with Saskatchewan since 2012 when he signed with the team as a free agent. He is a six-time CFL all-star and nine-time West Division all-star who was named the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2013.

The native of Weyburn, Sask. fought through injuries in 2019, starting only six games. When healthy, he is regarded as one of the best interior blockers in the CFL. LaBatte has played in 181 career games over 12 CFL seasons, including 112 as a Rider.

LaBatte helped the Riders win the 101st Grey Cup on home soil in 2013, the fourth championship in team history. Saskatchewan was supposed to host the Grey Cup in 2020, though the date at Mosaic Stadium was pushed due 2022 following the cancellation of last regular season.

It’s not yet a retirement for LaBatte who could be open to returning next year.