Lions defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell to appeal CFL-imposed suspension

VANCOUVER – B.C. Lions defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell will appeal his two-game suspension for hyperextending the arm of Edmonton offensive lineman Simeon Rottier during a game Friday night.

The CFL announced Mitchell’s appeal in a statement Tuesday.

The league suspended Mitchell for two games Monday night after Mitchell violently pulled on Rottier’s arm, bending it grotesquely in an unnatural fashion that resulted in the joint being hyperextended.

Rottier left the game and although he returned in the second half he didn’t resume playing and isn’t expected to suit up when Edmonton visits Winnipeg on Thursday night.

No penalty was called on the play.

An arbitration hearing will be scheduled during the week of Aug. 6.

Until a decision is rendered regarding Mitchell’s appeal, he will be allowed to continue playing for the Lions, who visit the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.