‘I hope I can be forgiven:’ Riders’ Marino apologizes for actions against Ottawa

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Garrett Marino broke his silence Wednesday, five days after his low hit on Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, Marino’s subsequent reaction and comments he made about Masoli became the talk of the CFL.

“I want to apologize for my actions that day, as I understand that they have no place in the game of football,” read a statement by Marino that was tweeted out by the Roughriders.

“I also apologize to Jeremiah Masoli of the Ottawa Redblacks, as I did not intend to injure him. I have tried over the past few days to connect with him directly and will continue to do so.

“Regarding the comments I made during the game, I regret that I said them, as I now understand their consequences. This was not my intent when speaking on the field, nor is it ever my intent in my day-to-day life.

“I know I play the game with an edge, and during the game, I made an insensitive and culturally stereotypical remark. I now understand this was hurtful to my peers and I hope I can be forgiven for that misunderstanding.”

We are issuing the following statement at the request of Garrett Marino. pic.twitter.com/1KgEtBv7Zx

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 13, 2022

In the fourth quarter of Saskatchewan’s 28-13 victory over Ottawa at Mosaic Stadium, Marino hit Masoli below the knees, leaving the quarterback writhing in pain on the ground. The Redblacks since have said Masoli will be out for 10 to 12 weeks.

Marino was ejected and, as he left the field, celebrated by pounding his chest and blowing kisses to the crowd.

Ottawa players were incensed by the reaction and headed across the field toward the Saskatchewan bench before calmer heads prevailed.

On Monday, the CFL suspended Marino for a total of four games — the longest ban for on-field behaviour in league history.

The league banned Marino for two games for what it called a “dangerous and reckless low hit” on Masoli, one game for comments Marino made about Masoli’s heritage, and one game for an illegal hit delivered by Marino on a Redblacks offensive lineman on an earlier play.

On Wednesday, Marino said he wasn’t going to appeal the suspension and had instructed the CFL Players’ Association not to appeal, either.

He said he would spend the duration of his suspension working to better himself.

“I take pride in being a good teammate and a valued member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club,” the 27-year-old said. “I did not intend for my comments or actions to be hurtful, and I take solace in my teammates, knowing that I stand with all of them, regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”

Marino added he won’t comment further on the matter.

The Roughriders also issued a statement, extending an apology to Masoli and wishing him “a smooth and speedy recovery.”

The Saskatchewan Roughriders extend its sincerest apologies to quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. pic.twitter.com/qM9wssA5AY

— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 13, 2022

“The comments and actions of Garrett Marino on July 8 do not represent who we are as an organization or the work we do in the Saskatchewan community,” the Roughriders said.

“The Club will be making a donation to the Redblacks Mentorship Program in Jeremiah Masoli’s name. The program connects at-risk youth who have experienced racism and discrimination with mentors and provides encouragement, support, guidance and strategies for youth to reach their fullest potential.”

Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson addressed the issue after Wednesday’s practice.

“I’m pleased that (Marino) came out and took responsibility for his actions and, more importantly, he felt remorse,” Dickenson said. “It’s better late than never, I guess I’ll say. Hopefully we can move on and Jeremiah heals up quick and he’s able to play.

“I knew (Marino) made (the comments) and I thought maybe I was missing something. I’m glad he took responsibility for saying something he probably shouldn’t have said. Hopefully he will learn from it and not say those sort of things again.”

Dickenson said he and the team reached out to the Redblacks to apologize for what happened.

“I told Paul (LaPolice, Ottawa’s head coach) immediately after the game to make sure to let (Masoli) know we’re sorry and we’re ashamed and we feel terrible about it and I hope he’s not injured severely,” Dickenson said.

On Tuesday evening, Masoli put out a statement blasting Marino for his actions and Dickenson for what Masoli called “insensitive comments” Dickenson had made in the wake of the incident.

@CFL pic.twitter.com/5UpyoWfSMn

— Jeremiah Masoli (@jmasoli8) July 12, 2022

Dickenson admitted he was disappointed to see how Masoli talked about him in the statement.

“I consider myself a pretty decent guy. What I said about trying to defend Garrett maybe wasn’t relevant, but it certainly came from a good spot and it wasn’t meant to be a casual remark where I was taking anything away from Jeremiah,” Dickenson said.