Saskatchewan Roughrider defensive lineman Miles Brown is lighter in the pocketbook for the second time in as many weeks.
The 27-year-old made contact with Winnipeg quarterback Chris Streveler on a second and short play late in the third quarter of the Labour Day rematch on September 7.
On the play, Streveler lined up under centre and bluffed a quarterback sneak on second and short. Instead of driving ahead, Streveler dropped back to attempt a pass downfield. Saskatchewan’s Brown surged through the offensive line and, while being hit by a Blue Bomber offensive lineman, made contact with Streveler below the waist.
Streveler left the game and did not return, later posting on social media that the hit resulted in three torn knee ligaments, which will force him to miss the remainder of the season.
Brown was penalized for roughing the passer on the play. The CFL then determined that a maximum fine was warranted for the hit, the second fine levied against Brown in as many games. The latest fine was half of his game cheque, the maximum amount permitted under the CFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Roughrider fans have come to the defence of Brown filling up the Roughrider Radio Network’s Radio Roundtable call-in show and the SportsCage’s phone and text lines.
Saskatchewan fans are now putting their money where their mouth is. Earlier this week a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Saskatoon’s Lawrence Nugent, who called the league’s fine “unbelievable” and an “injustice.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise $2,700 the estimated amount of Brown’s fine. As of this posting $535 has been raised.
Miles Brown has suited up in 12 of Saskatchewan’s 13 games. In that span, he’s recorded 11 defensive tackles, 2 quarterback sacks, 2 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal.
The Roughriders are back on the field Friday night when Saskatchewan heads to Calgary to take on the Stampeders. Countdown to Kick-off begins with Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 4:30 p.m. Luc Mullinder, and I will join in at 6:30 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 7:30 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
