Jeremiah Masoli: Redblacks QB calls out racism in CFL following Marino hit response

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has spoken out following Friday’s sport during which he was severely injured by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Garrett Marino, accusing the league of turning a blind eye to racism.

In an announcement posted to social media, Masoli—who is anticipated to be out 10 to 12 weeks—thanked everybody who reached out to supply help, after which moved proper right into a condemnation of the Roughriders group and the CFL’s response.

“It’s unhappy that the hate and racist attitudes and racial insults are going to be punished with a slap on the wrist,” he mentioned. “One sport for racial insults is solely not sufficient for my part and hopefully, we are able to use this to advertise progress and alter for the higher.”

Marino’s hit on Masoli, and his subsequent actions within the quick aftermath, acquired him ejected from the sport. The CFL later handed down an unprecedented four-game suspension. Marino is suspended two video games for his harmful, low hit, one sport for an unlawful sort out of an Ottawa offensive lineman, and one sport for feedback made about one other participant’s heritage, which violates the league’s code of conduct.

It’s the most extreme self-discipline imposed for in-game behaviour within the CFL’s historical past and league commissioner Randy Ambrosie mentioned it’s meant to ship a powerful message.

However Masoli added that he’s skilled racism earlier than within the league and mentioned the CFL ought to be no place for racism and hate.

He mentioned the CFL “has executed and continues to do nice work” with numerous communities throughout Canada and it’s one thing of which the CFL may be proud, however he additionally mentioned feedback made by Roughriders coach Craig Dickenson reveals an obliviousness to “severe details they select to disregard.”

“I’ve seen the poor and uninformed excuses given by Saskatchewan’s Head Coach and no apology from Garrett Marino, Coach Dickenson, or any government from Saskatchewan,” he wrote.

“After taking part in 12 video games already with a earlier ejection and two fines earlier than this incident, it’s clear Garrett Marino can not management himself. The welfare and security of CFL gamers do matter and we should always not have to fret about those that constantly can not play inside the guidelines.”

Dickenson had defended Marino in an interview, however later apologized on Twitter for his remarks, calling them insensitive and irrelevant.

“I tried to defend his character amid accusations that he mentioned one thing racially or culturally insensitive by mentioning that he has many shut mates who’re Black and a long-term girlfriend who can also be Black. I understand this remark is insensitive and irrelevant to the dialog. I apologize for this remark,” he wrote.

However he continued to defend Marino, saying he’s being “unfairly characterised and punished” for his actions. In a now-deleted tweet, Dickenson additionally mentioned the four-game suspension was too harsh and he hoped Marino would enchantment and have it diminished.

“Within the CFL we are saying our range is our power, so there ought to be no place for the racial hate,” Masoli wrote.

Masoli ended his observe by saying he’s getting ready for surgical procedure and the street to restoration.