REGINA

Riders release Justin Cox after domestic assault charge

CTV Regina Published Wednesday, April 19, 2017 11:08AM CST Last Updated Wednesday, April 19, 2017 3:09PM CST

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Julian Feoli-Gudino (83) is able to hang onto this pass with tight coverage from Saskatchewan Roughriders' Justin Cox (31) during the second half of CFL Banjo Bowl action in Winnipeg Saturday, September 10, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released defensive back Justin Cox after he was charged with assault causing bodily harm following a domestic dispute on the weekend.

Police were called to a home on the 2200 block of McTavish Street on Sunday after reports that a woman had been assaulted. At the time police arrived, the male suspect was not on the scene.

After a number of attempts, police arrested Justin Cox, 24, on Tuesday. He was charged in connection with the weekend assault.

The Riders released the following statement after his arrest.

"The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club have released Justin Cox after being informed of an incident involving domestic violence.

In keeping with the provisions of the Canadian Football League’s Policy on Violence Against Women, appropriate outreaches are being made to local police, support and counselling organizations. The league policy expressly states that “the CFL condemns violence against women in all its forms.”

Due to the nature of the legal process the Saskatchewan Roughriders will not comment further."

Cox was waived by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 after he was arrested and charged with burglary, aggravated domestic assault and trespassing in July of that year.

UPDATE:

CFL Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge released a statment regarding Cox's arrest on Wednesday afternoon.

“Earlier today, the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club released Justin Cox after being informed of an incident involving domestic violence. Our clubs have been informed that should any team decide to sign Mr. Cox to a Standard Player Contract, I will refuse to register that contract. This authority rests with the Commissioner under our league’s Constitution.

The Canadian Football League is committed to doing its part to eradicate violence against women. As is stated in our Policy on Violence Against Women, 'the CFL condemns violence against women in all of its forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, and verbal abuse, as well as the disrespectful and demeaning attitudes that foster violence or the tolerance of such violence.' In keeping with the policy, the CFL has worked with Saskatchewan to ensure appropriate outreach is made to local police and support and counseling services. We must all do what we can to ensure the safety of women and to urge perpetrators to seek the help they need to change their behaviour and stop the violence.”