A surprise from the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday in a state-of-the-franchise conference call.

GM Jeremy O’Day said offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte would not be playing in 2021, but that he was not retiring.

“With all of the COVID-19  rules and regulations and stuff that he has going on in his own personal life, he decided that he’s not going to play under the current circumstances.” O’Day said. “He told me that this isn’t his decision to retire by any means.

LaBatte, who is a graduate of the University of Regina Rams, and went 6th overall to the Bombers in the 2008 draft, has been with the Riders since the 2012 season.  He was named the league’s top offensive lineman in 2013.

When healthy, the 34-year-old from Weyburn is considered as one of the best in the game.

He has played in 181 career games over 12 CFL seasons, including 112 as a Rider. He has been named a CFL all-star six times.

O’Day also confirmed that plans for a July 24 scrimmage between the Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers won’t happen. The reason for the cancellation is because the scrimmage wasn’t part of the CFL’s return-to-play protocol.