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Redblacks' Rose appealing Grey Cup suspension for shoving official

The CFL on Tuesday barred Jonathan Rose of the Ottawa Redblacks from this Sunday's 106th Grey Cup against Calgary after he bumped an official. However, the 25-year-old defensive back will appeal the one-game suspension.

Apologetic DB says 'there was a lot going on' during sideline scuffle in CFL East final

Doug Harrison · CBC Sports ·
Redblacks defensive back Jonathan Rose, pictured here being escorted off the field after bumping an official during the CFL East final, has been barred from Sunday's 106th Grey Cup in Edmonton but is appealing the one-game suspension. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

A brain cramp that cost his team seven points on the scoreboard may lead to Ottawa Redblacks defensive back Jonathan Rose missing the most important game of the season.

The CFL on Tuesday barred Rose from this Sunday's 106th Grey Cup against the Calgary Stampeders in Edmonton following his ejection for shoving an official late in the first half of Sunday's 46-27 victory over Hamilton in the East final.

Hours later, the 25-year-old appealed the one-game suspension, but a CFL source told The Canadian Press it is unlikely an arbitrator will be able to hear the case and make a decision before kickoff Sunday at Commonwealth Stadium.

With Ottawa leading 27-6, Rose was flagged for unnecessary roughness against Tiger-Cats receiver Bralon Addison and booted from the game when he bumped into an official. The penalties moved the ball up the field 30 yards and led to a Hamilton touchdown.

Watch Redblacks' Jonathan Rose get ejected:

Redblacks Jonathan Rose ejected after shoving official

6 years ago
Duration 1:14
Ottawa Redblacks defensive back Jonathan Rose was ejected in the second quarter of the CFL Eastern Final after shoving an official.
"Hopefully, I can play in the Grey Cup with my teammates," Rose, who had intercepted a Jeremiah Masoli pass less than a minute earlier and ran 59 yards to set up an Ottawa TD, pleaded to the league through reporters after the game. "I've been trying to stay away from [penalties] this year, hopefully [the CFL] can show me some grace and mercy and let me play in the Grey Cup."

While reluctant to take action, the CFL understands failing to "send a strong signal" when a game official is abused would send the wrong message to players but also "young and aspiring athletes, coaches and even parents throughout sport."

In a news release, the league also stated, "Officials are an important part of athletic competition, responsible for its integrity. While their contributions too often go unsung, we cannot allow them to be disrespected or, worse, abused."

The Redblacks travelled to Edmonton on Tuesday and are scheduled to hold their first practice of the week Wednesday.

Watch highlights of Ottawa's East final win over Hamilton:

Game Wrap: Trevor Harris has record day as Redblacks advance to Grey Cup

6 years ago
Duration 2:20
Trevor Harris threw a CFL playoff record six touchdowns, as the Ottawa Redblacks chopped down the Hamilton Ticats 46-27 to advance to the Grey Cup.
A CFL all-star in 2016 and this season, Rose said "there was a lot going on" during the sideline scuffle and he didn't push the game official intentionally.

"I lost my cool," the Alabama native added. "I should have just finished on the clean tackle. There was a lot of pushing and shoving, the referee and I got intertwined. They felt like I pushed him. I apologize for that."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Doug Harrison

Doug Harrison has covered the professional and amateur scene as a senior writer for CBC Sports since 2003. Previously, the Burlington, Ont., native covered the NHL and other leagues for Faceoff.com. Follow the award-winning journalist @harrisoncbc

    With files from The Canadian Press

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