B.C. Lions release defensive back Josh Hagerty after suspension review
The CFL team cut the Canadian safety following a two-game ban for striking an opponent in the groin, an act the GM said was inconsistent with team standards.
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions have released Canadian defensive back Josh Hagerty following the completion of his two-game suspension for striking an opponent in the groin area.
The team announced the move on Tuesday.
"Over the past two weeks, the B.C. Lions have conducted a review of the circumstances surrounding the league’s suspension of safety Josh Hagerty," general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement.
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"As part of that process, we met with Josh and his representatives to discuss the incident, the factors that led to it and the potential consequences of his conduct. We also made professional support available to him during the period of his suspension."
Rigmaiden said the review was now complete.
"With that review now complete, the club has decided to release him," he said. "While we respect Josh, his actions were inconsistent with the standards expected of a B.C. Lion. We believe this decision is in the best interests of the organization going forward."
Hagerty, 28, was suspended for two games for repeatedly striking Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot in the groin during a Sept. 12 game.
Talbot underwent season-ending surgery for what was called a "life-altering" injury.
3DownNation has reported Talbot needed emergency surgery after receiving two blows to the groin area on special-teams plays.
A native of Regina, Hagerty was in his sixth CFL season and second with the Lions.
He appeared in 13 games this season, recording 20 tackles.
The Saskatchewan product has also spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts, with whom he won a Grey Cup in 2022.
He previously played for the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers before joining the Lions.
The Regina-born Hagerty is in his sixth CFL season.
The B.C. Lions (9-6) will host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-15) on Friday, October 9 with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EDT.
The Redblacks are coming off a loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the Lions have won seven of their last eight matchups.
The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally.
Radio listeners can tune-in on TSN 1200 in Ottawa and 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver.
With files from Sportsnet, TSN and 3DownNation