Darrell Davis: CFL sends anti-headhunting message

Simoni Lawrence isn’t an angel. He’s a football player with a reputation.

Although the Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker is considered a first-time offender by the CFL, he’s also known for targeting the injured leg of Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris. Lawrence has been suspended two games for a malicious, shoulder-to-helmet hit on Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros, who was knocked out of the game while defenceless and sliding early in their season opener. Collaros has a history of concussions, so his playing future is in doubt.

And did anyone see, later in that game, the helmet-to-helmet hit Lawrence inflicted from behind on Roughriders tailback William Powell? It was dirty and unpenalized.

Lawrence needs to change his approach. The CFL is insisting the safety of its players is paramount. The CFL doesn’t like suspending players, but when it imposes a two-game suspension for an on-field incident, the league is sending this message: Football is no longer a headhunting sport.