Winnipeg quarterback Kevin Glenn suffered concussion-like symptoms from a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit last week. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)The CFL is getting tough on the issue of player safety.
The league announced Thursday that it is implementing mandatory suspensions for illegal acts deemed to have risked injury to opposing players.
Among the violations that may subject the offender to a mandatory suspension are excessive spearing to the helmet or facemask, throwing a helmet in a reckless manner, and attacking a vulnerable opponent with kicking, punching, kneeing or stomping.
"We have a profound responsibility to safeguard the safety of the young men who play our wonderful but tough game, and this action is all about fulfilling that responsibility," said CFL commissioner Mark Cohon.
"By setting this new standard, we are striving to give players clear, advance and fair warning of the penalties that they will face for acts that have no place in our game."
The new rules go into effect immediately with this weekend's games.
Last week, Winnipeg quarterback Kevin Glenn suffered concussion-like symptoms after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit from Edmonton linebacker Agustin Barrenechea during a two-point conversion attempt.
Barrenechea was fined for the hit, which touched off a melee. Glenn is expected to play Saturday at Edmonton.
The CFL issued Thursday's announcement after failing to come to an agreement with its players' union on new safety standards.
"We are always open to working with the Players' Association on all issues of importance to our league. And we have been working with them on this issue," Cohon said.
"Unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve a joint resolution. So we are acting unilaterally today because we feel that it's in the best interests of our players, and our league, to do so."
