'I let Rider Nation down': Riders' Garrett Marino returns to practice after 4 week suspension
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Garrett Marino made his return to practice Tuesday after serving his four game suspension from the Canadian Football League (CFL).
The league handed Marino its longest suspension in history after a low hit and his actions following on Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli in week 5.
“I feel bad I let Ridernation down, my teammates down. Not being out there with the team it was kind of depressing,” said Marino.
“The league went so strong on him, we felt like it was overkill at that point,” said head coach Craig Dickenson, when asked what the team did internally for a punishment.
“We had some internal discussions and there was some internal discipline but that will stay in house.”
Masoli underwent surgery in July for what is said to be a bone injury. The quarterback could return to the team for the end of the 2022 season.
“I feel horrible that Jeremiah got hurt and I just want to move on. I didn’t even know he was hurt,” said Marino.
Marino returned to practice at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday and his teammates were there to support him. With players even standing behind him in solidarity as the media addressed him for the first time since the suspension.
“Most people will say ‘teammate’, or ‘they’re a great teammate’, ‘they have great sportsmanship’, but in our house it’s family. We support family no matter what others feel about it. Right or wrong. We’re still going to support them regardless,” said fellow defensive tackle Anthony Lanier.
“He’s fairly popular in the locker room and I think guys are pulling for him,” said Dickenson.
The team was adamant on moving on from the suspension and focusing on this week’s matchup against the BC Lions. However, Coach Dickenson knows players around the league will not forget about Marino’s actions.
“I think guys will test him because they know he doesn’t have as many chances as per se a new guy would, so he’s going to be put under the gun and put to the test,” said Dickenson. “I think he’ll be able to manage himself but he will definitely get some attention from other players out there.”
Dickenson said he is not sure if Marino will start on Friday but the defensive line will see the return of two impact players in A.C. Leonard and Pete Robertson.
Receiver Shaq Evans was also out at practice on Tuesday taking some limited reps also expected to return at receiver in the next two weeks is Kyran Moore.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.