Riders player faces charges

WINNIPEG A Winnipeg newspaper says a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders will face a trial later this year for alleged drug trafficking.

The Free Press says court documents show Winnipegborn defensive lineman Jordan Reaves is charged with one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Provincial court Judge Brian Corrin ruled in January following a preliminary hearing that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a oneweek trial for the 27-year-old player.

The newspaper says Reaves is free on bail and will have his case heard in Court of Queen’s Bench, starting Nov. 20.

Reaves — the son of former Winnipeg Blue Bomber running back Willard Reaves — was arrested in Winnipeg along with a second man during a traffic stop early last year.

The Roughriders are declining comment on the charge until they get more information.

Defence lawyer Mike Cook said Thursday Reaves plans to fight the case at trial.

“Mr. Reaves adamantly denied the allegations upon his arrest. He maintains his innocence,” Cook told the Free Press.

Reaves signed with Saskatchewan in 2016 and played in five games as a defensive end. He recently signed another contract to remain with the team for the upcoming season.