I have been thinking about Saskatchewan Roughrider Garrett Marino. After reflection I am writing a column on what I would have recommended he do in his circumstances, not my personal opinion on CFL discipline. I have never had any contact with Marino.
When I saw his low hit on Ottawa Redblack Jeremiah Masoli on July 8 I knew Marino was in major trouble. His celebrations after the hit and as he left the field aggravated his misconduct. He was going to be disciplined by the CFL.
Within a day there were statements he had used racist language after the hit with regard to Masoli’s Polynesian (Samoan) heritage. I have not seen his exact words published.
By the time a CFL hearing was scheduled, he was also accused of a dangerous tackle on Dino Boyd, an Ottawa offensive lineman. Marino was called for holding. The play was earlier in the possession on which Masoli was injured. Marino tackled Boyd from behind going low to grab one leg.
When you are guilty of offences, it is best to take responsibility for being wrong before a hearing.
I would have recommended that he accept he should be punished for the low hit on Masoli, the offensive language and the tackle on Boyd.
As to the punishment I think he should have argued for a one-game suspension on the late hit, one game for the language and a fine for the tackle of Boyd.
Every Rider fan remembers the game in 2019 where Simoni Lawrence came in late and hit Rider quarterback, Zach Collaros, in the head as he was on the ground. Lawrence received a two-game suspension that was reduced to one game on appeal. I could not see where Marino’s hit was worse than Lawrence. As well, each player had some previous history of cheap shots.
With regard to offensive language the CFL has rarely punished players for good reason. In 21st Century professional football “trash talk” has become part of the game. The language used is bound to be offensive as it is “trash”. Profanity is everywhere.
In 2021 A.C. Leonard was suspended a game for his comments towards an off-field official seeking a urine sample for drug testing. (He was further suspended two games for failing to provide a sample for testing.) Also last year Winnipeg offensive lineman, Drew Desjarlais, was “fined for his involvement in instigating the altercation” between the Riders and Bombers.
The CFL said Marino’s language clearly violated the league’s Code of Conduct. Marino acknowledged his comments were wrong, though he did not say they were racist, and did not comment on Masoli’s statement that “racial insults” were made.
At the same time 3DownNation reported: "However, Dickenson said he is not 'as in favour' of one aspect of the suspension involving the comment about Masoli’s heritage, calling it 'a little bit of a reach.'"
Which on-field language between players is offensive enough to justify punishment is unclear enough in the CFL that it was also announced a week ago that the CFL and the CFLPA, which had agreed last winter to zero tolerance for “any form of racism or racial discrimination” had now agreed “to further define and agree on all issues arising from that joint commitment”.
I have not seen where any player in 2022 has even been fined for crude and vulgar language of any nature on the field before Marino was charged for his on-field comments.
I would have recommended to Marino that, with regard to the dangerous tackle of Boyd, to point out the late hit on the previous Ottawa series by Dino Boyd on Rider defensive end Pete Richardson which injured Richardson. Boyd was imposed a roughing penalty. Two Redblack offensive linemen were on Richardson. One threw Richardson to the ground late, if not after the play, and Boyd then hit Richardson when he was on the ground. Boyd received a fine from the league.
I would have recommended to Marino that he immediately enrol in an anger management program and advise the hearing of his registration. Getting professional assistance would have shown Marino is committed to gaining emotional control on the field.
Prior to the hearing I would have recommended he make the general apology he waited to make until after the punishment was imposed. Remorse is more convincing early.
Marino said he had made attempts to reach Masoli to apologize directly. Masoli stated on Sunday Marino was lying. I do not know if Marino used Roughrider staff in his alleged efforts. If not, he should have used team representatives, for it would have been clear what was done and the Riders have multiple ways to contact the Redblacks and facilitate a conversation if Masoli was interested.
After the hearing the CFL imposed four games in suspensions. I note that in its announcement the CFL did not reference any of Marino’s celebrations after the play.
When the four-game suspension was announced I would have recommended appealing the two games for the hit on Masoli and the one game for the dangerous hit. As set out above Lawrence had succeeded on an appeal and the dangerous tackle play would have drawn a fine based on other league penalties.
Losing salary is another part of the punishment. Marino could have argued losing almost one-eighth of his season salary (two games) rather than almost one-quarter (four games) is a major consequence.
I can understand Marino not wanting to go through the additional criticism he would have received if he appealed and I am sure the Riders were grateful he did not appeal.
Bill Selnes, who’s based in Melfort where he works as a lawyer, has written about the Saskatchewan Roughriders since the late 1970s. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Football Reporters of Canada wing on Nov. 24, 2013.
