B.C. Lions release Josh Hagerty after review of suspension for groin strike
The defensive back was cut after serving a two-game ban for striking Montreal's Liam Talbot.
VANCOUVER · The B.C. Lions have released defensive back Josh Hagerty, the team announced Tuesday. The move follows the completion of a two-game suspension the CFL levied against Hagerty for striking Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot in the groin area during a Sept. 12 game. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said the club conducted a review over the past two weeks. "With that review now complete, the club has decided to release him," Rigmaiden said in a statement.
Rigmaiden said the team met with Hagerty and his representatives and made professional support available during his suspension. "While we respect Josh, his actions were inconsistent with the standards expected of a B.C. Lion," Rigmaiden said. "We believe this decision is in the best interests of the organization going forward." The injury to Talbot was described as potentially "life-altering" by sources familiar with the situation, according to 3DownNation. Talbot underwent season-ending surgery after receiving two blows to the groin area on special-teams plays, 3DownNation reported. In the days after the suspension was announced, the Lions described Hagerty's conduct as "unacceptable" and "a huge mistake," but indicated he would not be released. Head coach Buck Pierce said Tuesday the review included conversations from the player's perspective, the organization's point of view, and league-wide considerations.
"The kid made a mistake, and we're hoping that he can move on with that as well, and an incident like that should never happen," Pierce told reporters. Hagerty, a 28-year-old native of Regina, was in his sixth CFL season and second with the Lions. He appeared in 13 games this season, recording 20 tackles. He has also played for the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Two other players were suspended one game for their actions in the Week 15 game between Montreal and B.C., while four more received fines. The Alouettes have alleged a separate strike to the groin occurred when the two teams played in Week 14, though Hagerty was not involved. The B.C. Lions (9-6) will host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-15) on Friday, October 9.
With files from Sportsnet, TSN and 3DownNation