Roughriders fines $60,000 for roster violations; have salary cap deduced

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were fined $60,000 on Thursday following a Canadian Football League completed investigation into alleged roster violations.

Saskatchewan also had its 2016 salary cap deducted in excess of $26,000 as part of the penalty.

The Roughriders were in violation of policies which prohibit practising with ineligible players, players participating in practice who are on the six-game injured list and having free agents practice with players who are under contact, according to a release.

“I am compelled to make decisions consistent with protecting the competitive balance within our league, the spirit of our rules and the integrity of our game,” said commissioner Jeffrey Orridge. “The recent conduct, behaviour and activities of the Saskatchewan Roughriders have compromised the reputation of the CFL.”

The CFL says their investigation spanned several weeks and included the league visiting team practices in Regina.

Saskatchewan has struggled under new head coach and general manager Chris Jones, going 1-5 so far this year. The Riders sit in last place in the CFL’s West Division.