Riders fire Ajou Ajou after CFL says he made 'aggressive and unwelcome physical contact' with women
Posted on: Apr 16, 2026 22:36 IST | Posted by: Cbc
The Saskatchewan Roughriders feature kicked pass catcher Ajou Ajou away the team up after a conference investigation concluded he violated the CFL's gender-based violence and harassment policy.
In a statement on its website, the league said an investigation revealed that on Nov. 18, 2025, Ajou "engaged in aggressive and unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a restaurant in Regina."
That was the day of the Riders' Grey Cup championship parade.
The league said it was made aware of multiple allegations in late January and immediately initiated a third-party investigation, which it said included interviews with Ajou, multiple witnesses and complainants.
The CFL said Ajou has been suspended for 2026's preseason games "and no fewer than six additional games."
"The Saskatchewan Roughriders do not tolerate gender-based violence or harassment and Ajou Ajou's actions go directly against the values we hold as an organization," Roughriders Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O'Day said in a statement.
"We hold our players to a high standard, one that focuses on integrity and treating people with respect. He failed to meet that standard and is no longer a Roughrider."
The CFL said Ajou's reinstatement process will include a minimum of 15 mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, a psychological assessment by another independent expert and a meeting with league commissioner Stewart Johnston.
It said upon satisfactory completion of each, he will be eligible for reinstatement. But if he is unable to satisfactorily complete any step in the process, the CFL said it reserves the right to modify his discipline.
According to the league, CFL players, coaches, staff and personnel are required to complete education on gender‑based violence and harassment every year, as well as training on match manipulation, concussion protocols, player code of conduct and the league's drug policy.
O'Day was scheduled to address the media over a Zoom video call at 11:15 a.m. CST Thursday.
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