Riders’ Garrett Marino suspended 4 games by CFL

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Garrett Marino has been suspended four games by the CFL.

The CFL said it is the most severe total discipline ever imposed for in-game behaviour during one game. ​

The league said three different suspensions totalled four games for the 27-year-old. All three incidents happened in Friday’s 28-13 win over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Marino was given a two-game suspension for what the CFL called a, “dangerous and reckless low hit” on Ottawa quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

Masoli was injured on the play and didn’t return to the game.

Marino was ejected from the game due to the hit and celebrated by banging his chest, holding his helmet in the air and blowing kisses to the crowd as he left the field. That celebration also played a role in the suspension.

According to the CFL, Marino has also been suspended for an additional game due to comments he made about Masoli’s heritage during the game. The CFL said the comments violate the league’s Code of Conduct.

Marino was also suspended another game due to an illegal tackle on a Redblacks offensive lineman on a play previous to the Masoli hit.

“This behaviour has no place in our league,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a release. “This discipline is intended to send a strong message that it will not be tolerated.”

The CFL stated Marino’s history also played a role in it. In 12 games, including the recent one against Ottawa, Marino has been ejected twice and fined twice.