Roughriders suspend backup quarterback over impaired driving charge
Jake Dolegala apologizes for actions that led to his 1-game suspension
The Saskatchewan Roughriders has suspended backup quarterback Jake Dolegala after he informed the team he had been arrested and charged with impaired driving.
A short statement from the team said Dolegala was charged during the team's bye week. The league office has been notified, the statement said.
"Drinking and driving is a significant problem in our province, one that can have dangerous consequences, and we are disappointed in Jake for his actions," the team's statement reads in part.
Dolegala spoke with reporters on Monday, saying he was embarrassed by his actions, and apologizing for them.
"I never want to be a distraction from our goal — to what we want to accomplish this year — with playoffs coming up," he said.
"It's obviously a difficult conversation to have, but I wanted to be upfront with it and just put everything on the table."
Arrested around 8:30 p.m.
Police were alerted to Dolegala's condition on Sept. 17, 2022, at around 8:30 p.m. CST, when they received a report of a possible impaired driver at a business on Great Plains Road in Emerald Park, Sask.
Officers responded and confirmed the driver, Dolegala, was impaired, according an RCMP statement released Sept. 26 in response to media inquiries.
They arrested the 25-year-old. He now faces two charges under the criminal code: impaired driving and driving with a blood alcohol content over .08.
The football team's head coach Craig Dickenson described the incident as "unfortunate."
"He's embarrassed by it, he feels bad about it and hopefully he learns from it and grows from it," Dickenson said.
"We're going to support him because he's one of our teammates, but we also know that he has some things he has to do to make things right."
Dolegala's first court appearance is scheduled in Regina, Sask., for Oct. 26, 2022.