Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Chris Jones accepts CFL fine for roster violations

On Friday, Saskatchewan Roughriders vice-president of football operations responded to the league's decision to fine the team for roster violations.

"I accept the league's decision and I'm aware of the errors. We've made the necessary adjustments and we'll be moving forward," said Chris Jones reading from a statement.

The CFL fined the Riders $60,000 and reduced its 2016 salary cap by $26,000 following an investigation into the team. 

Jones said the team received notice that the CFL was conducting an inquiry a few weeks ago.

"I was comfortable enough with our process, the way we do things, that was developed through 14 years and four teams in the league that I invited a team representative to observe a practice, which they did July 25," Jones said.

Riders ask for equal treatment

"I hope the situation results in all nine teams being held to the same regard and to the same standard."

Jones said the team has received clarity from the CFL and will continue to bring in players each week on an evaluation basis.

• CFL fines Roughriders $60K for practicing with unsigned players

For the second day in a row Jones refused to answer questions not related to Saturday's game with the Calgary Stampeders.

CEO Craig Reynolds apologizes

Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds answered questions from the media on Friday afternoon.

"We let Rider nation down," Reynolds said.

Reynolds cut his vacation short to return to Regina and address the fine.

"It's serious issue and we wanted to treat it very seriously. I take accountability for this and this is something I ultimately own as president and CEO of this organization," Reynolds said. 

Last week the team was fined $15,000 for breaking ratio rules.

"We want to set the example for the league and when you're fined consecutively like we are, and you're fined in this manner and these issues, you're not setting an example for the league and I understand where the commissioner is coming from," said Reynolds.

We let Rider nation down- Riders CEO Craig Reynolds

Reynolds addressed the fact Jones was not taking questions on the roster violations, saying, "coach needs to be focused on the task at hand which is playing Calgary tomorrow."

Riders behaviour compromised the reputation of the CFL, league commissioner

The Roughriders received a big penalty from the league Thursday for how the team is conducting business.

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

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.

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.