Riders take a pass on Cox despite acquittal

Decision ‘a matter of principle for us’

Justin Cox won’t be returning to the CFL or the Saskatchewan Roughriders despite being found not guilty of assault causing bodily harm in an alleged incident of domestic violence.

Cox was acquitted in Regina on Monday after provincial court Judge Pat Reis said there wasn’t any evidence to support the charge. Reis made the ruling after hearing from five Crown witnesses.

Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones said Tuesday that the decision to pass on Cox came after discussions with John Murphy, the Riders’ assistant vice-president of football administration and player personnel, and Jeremy O’Day, the team’s assistant vice-president of football administration and operations.

“I have two little girls at home and both of them have two little girls at home,’’ Jones said. “It’s a situation that is a matter of principle for us.’’

The Riders released Cox on April 19, the day after he was charged. The CFL announced on the same day that Cox was effectively banned, saying in a statement it would refuse to register any contract that he signed with any team.

The CFL maintained that stance Tuesday.

“The outcome of the recent criminal trial involving the acquittal of Mr. Cox does not change the position of the league,’’ the CFL said in a statement.

Cox told reporters on Monday he hoped to resume his career.

“Hopefully I get it back. I really want to play with the Roughriders,” Cox said. “Hopefully I can get to wear that green and white again, and you know, play football again, period.”

Cox faced allegations of domestic violence before joining the Riders in 2016. In July 2015, he was arrested for aggravated domestic violence, burglary of a residence and trespassing in Oktibbeha County in Mississippi. The NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs released him the next day.

In November 2014, Cox was charged with burglary and aggravated domestic violence in a separate incident while attending Mississippi State. The charges were dropped after Cox pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Cox was among the Riders’ top defenders in 2016 when he led the team with four interceptions and was the Green and White’s nominee for most outstanding rookie.

“He’s a great player and he’s probably the best coverage guy I’ve ever coached,” Jones said. “We’re very aware of the history of him and then with the current event, it made it where principle-wise that I could not put the club or our team in that situation.’

Riders receiver Joe Craig missed Monday’s practice while testifying in the court. Craig, who lived with Cox, declined to comment Tuesday when asked about the outcome of the case.

“I’m just here to focus on football and get better as a football player and bond with my teammates,” Craig said.