Redblacks (allegedly) caught violating roster rules, Rider fans react

According to TSN’s Gary Lawless, the Ottawa Redblacks have been caught engaging in some roster hijinks.

League source: @REDBLACKS have been informed they have been investigated for a roster violation and will be fined by @cfl #cfl

— gary lawless (@garylawless) September 10, 2016

Roster violation @REDBLACKS involves a player on six-game injured list participating on field with a practice roster player @cfl #cfl

— gary lawless (@garylawless) September 10, 2016

. @REDBLACKS roster violation fine is $5,000 plus a charge against cap. Issue is player on 6-game taking part in on-field activity @cfl #cfl

— gary lawless (@garylawless) September 10, 2016

Of course, this isn’t the first time a CFL team has been caught violating roster rules this season. Back in August, Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell caused quite the stir when he accused the Riders of cheating on Twitter and subsequent reports revealed the Riders were not only using as many as 95 players in practice but paying those players, too. The CFL subsequently fined Saskatchewan $60,000 and reduced the team’s salary cap by $26,000 for practicing with ineligible players.

Lawless’ report, which has yet to be confirmed by the CFL, allowed Rider fans to engage in a cathartic bout of righteous indignation, protesting the discrepancy in the fines.

@garylawless @REDBLACKS @CFL Commissioner must be related to someone in Ottawa org based on the excessive fine levied. What a joke!

— John deBruin (@deBRUIN_J338) September 10, 2016

@jamienye @garylawless @REDBLACKS @CFL CFL obviously picked the team with the deepest pockets to send a message.League didn’t get it#goingon

— Rob Gilliland (@RobScarthCattle) September 10, 2016

@garylawless @jamienye @REDBLACKS @CFL $5000<$60000. Seems fair and consistent. #Riders

— Rob Gilliland (@RobScarthCattle) September 10, 2016

And get some shots in on Mitchell for ratting the out Riders in the first place…

@garylawless @REDBLACKS @CFL did Bo squeal again?

— Jimbo Sliver (@JayTheZilla) September 10, 2016

@garylawless @REDBLACKS @CFL ..investigated courtesy of the Bo and Levi Private Investigators…

— johnnycobra (@jcobraRR) September 10, 2016

There is, of course, a massive difference between allowing a player on the six-game injured list to practice and maintaining a second clandestine practice roster of players and paying them under the table. But it will no doubt provide fodder for the central argument espoused by Rider brass and fans: everybody does it.