CFL suspension of Ticats player will be served

Hamilton’s Simoni Lawrence will have to serve his full, two-game suspension for a head hit on June 13 that sent Saskatchewan quarterback Zach Collaros to the six-game injured list with a suspected concussion.

The Canadian Football League Players Association appealed the suspension, levied June 17 by CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie, and the issue was sent to an arbitrator, whose decision was made public Tuesday.

Collaros had given himself up on the play by sliding. Lawrence apologized for the hit.

“It’s just, it’s hard to stop when you’re running full speed,” he told TSN. “I love Zach to death. I feel really bad about it and it wasn’t intentional.”

Ambrosie issued a scathing attack on the CFLPA when their intent to appeal was announced.

“It is disappointing that the union has decided to use a legal process, at considerable time and expense, to defend an offending player instead of standing up for the player hurt on the play,” Ambrosie said, prompting an equally vehement response from the CFLPA.

“The commissioner’s gratuitous attack on the rights of players is an attempt to gain a public relations advantage during a difficult situation,” the union said. “Just like player safety, he says the right things in public, but the league under his leadership acts quite differently when it comes to implementing change.”

On Tuesday, the CFL issued a more conciliatory statement.

“We all need to take and support strong action to promote and protect player health and safety. We look forward to continuing to work with our players on this mission.”

Lawrence will serve his suspension by missing the July 26 home game against Winnipeg and the Aug. 1 game in Regina.