The Canadian Football League announced on Thursday that receiver Ajou Ajou had been suspended at least six regular-season games for violating the Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy.
Just 10 minutes later, the Saskatchewan Roughriders distributed a media advisory of their own — stating that Ajou had been released.
“This was solely our decision,” Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day told reporters when asked whether the league had any input into subsequent disciplinary measures taken by the football team.
The Roughriders also responded promptly in late January, upon being made aware of the allegations. O’Day said the team “immediately reached out to the league,” which initiated an extensive third-party investigation.
The Roughriders responded to the suspension, which also applies to the 2026 pre-season, by concluding there was a “clear violation” of the community-owned team’s Code of Conduct.
“We hold each other to a high standard,” O’Day said. “We’re trying to develop a culture in which people feel safe and people feel respected — a family atmosphere.
“With the support we have from the top down as far as how we’re going to run this football team, it is important that we’re all in lockstep. Everyone knows that we’re going to support each other, but we’ve also got to hold each other accountable.
“Hopefully that is a message that the players receive, but it’s just disappointing.”
The allegations date back to Nov. 18 — two days after the Roughriders won the Grey Cup — when, according to the league’s statement, “Mr. Ajou engaged in aggressive and unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a restaurant in Regina.”
Ajou was a starting receiver in the 2025 Grey Cup Game, in which the Roughriders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 on Nov. 16 in Winnipeg.
Selected by Saskatchewan in the seventh round of the 2024 CFL Canadian Draft, Ajou caught 20 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games as a rookie. He was subsequently signed by the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
Ajou was released by the Colts on Aug. 26 and rejoined the Roughriders two days later. He had 22 catches for 212 yards, without a touchdown, in eight regular-season games.
Placed on the one-game injured list leading up to the Western Final, he was reactivated for the Grey Cup. He caught two passes for 13 yards in the Riders’ win, while making his ninth CFL start.
The league’s announcement detailed a stringent reinstatement process that, if completed satisfactorily, could clear the way for Ajou, 24, to return to action.
O’Day, however, was unequivocal when asked about where Ajou could play if he does return to the field.
“Not with the Saskatchewan Roughriders,” the team’s GM said.