Smith and Anderson concentrating on football.

Taj Smith and Dwight Anderson are concentrating on football instead of allowing a legal issue to dictate their mindset.

That was the message on Thursday from the two Saskatchewan Roughriders starters who were charged with aggravated assault in September. Smith and Anderson have remained in the CFL team’s lineup while the legal matter is before the courts.

“Everyone said, ‘We’ve got your back,’ ’’ said Smith, a 30-year-old receiver. “Pretty much everything else will take care of itself. I’m just grateful that I have teammates who don’t judge me for the situation. I can’t wait until it’s over, so people understand that it’s much more than the media says or what outside people say.’’

In the meantime, Smith is appreciating his time on the football field, during practices and games.

“It’s always nice to have an outlet when things happen that you can’t control,’’ he said. “I’m just happy that it’s football now. I’ve had a lot of support in the community and I’m happy that I’m still here. I’ll do my best in the community off the field and do my best to protect myself, on and off the field, in certain situations.’’

Anderson and Smith were arrested in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on Dewdney Avenue in the early hours of Aug. 18.

A third Rider, receiver Eron Riley, was arrested one day after Anderson and Smith. Riley, who is on the nine-game injured list, is also facing a charge of aggravated assault. The players’ next court date is Oct. 30.

In the meantime, a business-as-usual approach is in effect, with football being the priority.

“At the end of the day, that’s all I come out here for,’’ Smith said. “I’ll let the law take care of whatever’s going on right now. Right now, my objective is to help the team win.’’

Smith has 61 receptions, a total that leads the team and places him seventh in the CFL. With 808 receiving yards, he is second on the Roughriders — 123 behind Chris Getzlaf — and seventh in the league.

Anderson’s four interceptions lead the team and place him in a five-way tie for second in the CFL, one off the pace.

The 32-year-old Anderson was asked how he continues to perform at a high level despite the legal issue.

“Because it’s football,’’ he responded. “That’s all I worry about. All the other stuff, I’m not commenting on that. That’s by itself.

“I’m confident in myself that I’m here to play football and do what I’m supposed to do. I have no worries about anything else. I’m just thinking about getting to this Grey Cup. Right now, we’re on this one-game winning streak, trying to get to another 1-and-0 this week.’’

The Riders, who have a 9-5 record, are preparing for Saturday’s home date with the Edmonton Eskimos.

When Anderson was asked how he manages to prevent an off-field matter from becoming a distraction, he said: “Because it’s not a distraction.

“Every week I come here and I’m watching my tape and doing my studies and getting whatever game plan the coach set up, and then that’s it,’’ he added. “You don’t worry about anything.

“That’s one thing we preach. Your family and everyone are going to understand that this is what’s going to take care of home. You’ve got to be focused on this right here, which is football and this team. It’s kind of wrong to say, but right now your family’s kind of second nature. This is your family right now. This is the only thing you need to worry about right now.

“That comes from having a strong family backbone, going back to my wife and kids. They love the game of football and they understand. I get the support from them, so there’s no stress and no, ‘I’ve got to worry about this.’ Once you’ve got people backing you and you get good support, that’s good.

“I’ve got my family support and I’ve got the support of my family on the team. That’s all that matters. Nothing else matters.’’