The Canadian Football League has issued maximum fines against Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ strongside linebacker Redha Kramdi and Ottawa Redblacks’ defensive back Tobias Harris for their high hits against quarterbacks in Week 5.
As per league policy, the exact amount of the fines was not disclosed. However, the maximum possible fine under the league’s collective bargaining agreement is equal to one-half of a player’s game cheque. For Kramdi, that amount is $2,394, while Harris will pay $1,944.
Kramdi was flagged for a high hit against Ottawa’s Dru Brown late in the second quarter of his team’s 25-16 victory as he was running for a first down on second-and-seven. The quarterback slid late as his former teammate came in from the side and delivered a blow to his head, knocking his helmet off.
Brown was unable to return to the game after entering concussion protocol and was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, with his status for Sunday’s matchup with the Edmonton Elks still undetermined. After the game, Kramdi denied any ill intent and took responsibility for his role in the injury.
“It was a second-and-long. He ran and it happened fast. I don’t want — like, he played here. I don’t want to see him injured,” the Canadian defender told 3DownNation‘s John Hodge. “He was close to the sticks. I dove, he slid. I was late, obviously, and I get that fans are gonna say I’m a dirty player and all that — they have their reasons to. For whatever it’s worth, I apologize and I don’t want to see someone hurt.”
“A penalty is a penalty, so I’m not gonna find an excuse. When a QB slides, you don’t even have to touch him, they’ll just blow it dead. I’ve just gotta do a better job and not hurt Dru.”
Harris appeared to retaliate for the injury with a hit of Winnipeg’s Chris Streveler as he was sliding in the third quarter, lowering the crown of his helmet to make contact with the quarterback’s head. The play was not initially flagged before the command centre stepped in to award a 15-yard penalty for spearing. Streveler was not forced to exit the game.
Three other players received supplemental discipline from the league amounting to less than the maximum amount.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ fullback James Tuck was fined for a blindside block on B.C. Lions’ linebacker Isaiah Guzylak-Messam, while receiver Kiondré Smith was punished for violating the CFL Code of Conduct by simulating the firing of a weapon during a touchdown celebration at the end of that same game.
Redblacks’ running back Ryquell Armstead was also retroactively fined for violating the CFL Code of Conduct by verbally abusing an official in Week 4.
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