CFL fines Roughriders $60K for practicing with unsigned players

The CFL commissioner says the Riders' conduct undermines the league's reputation, and he's not talking about their dismal record.

The Roughriders received a big penalty from the league Thursday for how they're conducting business. The CFL says it fined the Riders $60,000 and reduced the team's 2016 salary cap by $26,000 following an investigation into the team. 

The league said it was looking into alleged roster violations in Regina for weeks, and had officials visit team practices. It says the Riders violated policies by practicing ineligible players, players on injured lists and having free agents and contracted players practice together. 

CFL Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge said in a written statement, "As Commissioner, I am compelled to make decisions consistent with protecting the competitive balance within our League, the spirit of our rules and the integrity of our game. The recent conduct, behaviour and activities of the Saskatchewan Roughriders have compromised the reputation of the CFL."

Stamps QB allegations, new practice rules for fans precede fines

On Tuesday, the green and white announced the signing of six players, and the release of five players.

The roster juggling caught the eye of Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.

He took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, writing: "I bet none of the people they signed needed flights." 

The Stamps pivot insinuated that the Riders already had the players in Regina working with the team.

After that, the CFL said they were investigating whether the Riders are playing within league rules when it comes to unsigned players at practice.

Teams are allowed to put players on a "non-active" list, according to the CFL Players Association collective bargaining agreement.

The rule states: "a member club may … permit a player not on its current roster to participate in its practice sessions provided that the Commissioner is notified as of the first day of such trial period that the player has reported to the Club and has executed a Practice Agreement."

Having unsigned players at practice without following this rule can result in fines.

Riders coach cited injuries, said team was within rules

Talking to media on Wednesday before the fine was levied, Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones said he's brought in a lot of players to take part in practice.

He said the team is doing it because they have so many injured players, and that it's allowed in the league rules.

On Thursday, Jones started his media availability by saying he wouldn't answer questions about the team's roster.

Fans forced to sign in to watch Riders practice

Fans who came to watch the active and non-active Riders practice on Thursday were forced to sign in with security before they entered Mosaic Stadium.

Jones said someone had leaked info to the Ottawa Redblacks before the July 22 game in Regina.

"Somehow they knew who we were throwing the football to on particular plays," said Jones. "So we've got a process in place now to at least try to find out who's present here at practice."

The Roughriders take on the aforementioned Bo Levi Mitchell and his West Division-leading Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. 

Kickoff is at 5 p.m. CST at Mosaic Stadium.