Sask. Roughriders add three to roster
9h ago
Nick Jones, D'Sean Mimbs and Ben Hadley were signed by the team.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released Canadian running back Jerome Messam after criminal charges have been laid against him.
In a statement, the CFL said Messam was charged with voyeurism from an incident in November 2016.
Calgary police have confirmed to 980 CJME that the charge relates to an allegation that a sexual encounter with an adult was recorded without the victim’s knowledge. Police also said the video was never posted anywhere publicly.
The Riders announced the move in a tweet Monday.
We have released running back Jerome Messam after he has been criminally charged following an incident in November, 2016.
As this is now a legal matter, the Roughriders will not be commenting further.
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 30, 2018
According to the Criminal Code, a charge of voyeurism is related to making a visual recording of someone in circumstances that give a reasonable expectation of privacy.
“The Canadian Football League is aware that Jerome Messam has been charged with Voyeurism, a Criminal Code offence. He has been released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has informed all member clubs that the league will not register a contract for Messam should any team attempt to sign him. We will have no further comment on this matter as it is before the courts,” the CFL said in a statement.
The #CFL has released the following statement regarding the release of RB Jerome Messam. pic.twitter.com/d2GrEIgdUM
— CFL (@CFL) July 30, 2018
Messam is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Calgary on August 31.
Messam was signed by the Riders during the off-season. The running-back amassed 205 yards over six games for the Riders this season.
The Riders are not commenting on the situation as it is now a legal matter.
Meanwhile, Messam issued a statement to TSN on Monday night.
“Hope that very soon I will be found not guilty of this accusation and that I will be able to continue my playing career. I appreciate all of the people that have stood my me and are supporting me right now,” Messam said. “To the fans, I hope that you will remember how hard I worked on the field and the difference I tried to make in my community in every city I’ve played in.”
Messam added his lawyers are in communication the CFL.