Riders release Jerome Messam following criminal charges

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.