Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions
The Canadian Football League has issued two more fines related to the heated clash between the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes in Week 15.
B.C. defensive end Mathieu Betts is the latest to receive supplemental discipline for his conduct during the game, incurring both financial penalties. He has been fined once for committing unnecessary roughness against Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander, while receiving a second reprimand for striking Montreal offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon.
The two-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player drew the ire of Alexander after a tackle late in the second quarter, when he appeared to twist the QB’s arm awkwardly and hold on long after the pair had gone to ground. A penalty for a horsecollar tackle was assessed upon review, but the apparent gamesmanship by the pass rusher was not flagged.
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After the game, Alexander called the play “horsesh*t” and called for its removal from the game. Betts admitted this week that he understood why Alexander was upset, but denied any malicious intent.
Betts’ interaction with Hogan-Saindon came late in the fourth quarter and resulted in his automatic disqualification from the game. B.C. won 48-29.
The 31-year-old is the seventh individual to receive league discipline for the game, with his fines being announced two weeks after the final whistle. B.C. defensive back Josh Hagerty was suspended for two games for striking Montreal’s Liam Talbot in the groin area; B.C. defensive back Ronald Kent Jr. and Montreal defensive back Don Callis were each suspended for a game for their role in a sideline altercation; and Alexander and Montreal receivers Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead were all fined for their conduct in that fight.
The CFL has also issued fines against two Edmonton Elks for actions in their Week 16 loss to Toronto. Defensive end Noah Taylor was punished for a low hit on Argos’ quarterback Chad Kelly, while defensive back Chelen Garnes was fined for striking receiver Kevin Mital. That punch prompted his ejection from the game.
Notably, Mital was not disciplined for what appeared to be a blow to Garnes’ groin, which triggered the response. Mital has denied that he intentionally delivered a punch on the play.
The CFL’s department of health, safety, and integrity manages league discipline involving fines. The committee includes chief football officer Greg Dick, vice-president of officiating Darren Hackwood, associate vice-president of football operations Ryan Janzen, and associate vice-president of health and safety Eric Noivo.
As per league policy, the league does not announce the dollar amount of fines, discipline related to dress code violations, discipline involving teams or staff, or discipline involving players who have been released. The maximum allowable fine under the collective bargaining agreement is half the value of a game cheque.
