An arbitrator has upheld Simoni Lawrence’s two-game suspension for his vicious hit on Riders QB Zach Collaros.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji was the first to report the arbitrator’s decision this morning.

Lawrence had his appeal hearing on July 9. The delay in announcing the decision ends up helping the Riders. Lawrence’s two-game suspension now includes the August 1 game in Regina. With a starter out of the Ticats lineup for that game, the Riders benefit (if only slightly).

Collaros is on the six-game injured list. He has missed the last three games rehabbing his injuries.