Note: Craig Dickenson appeared on the Monday’s edition of the SportsCage before the announcement of Garrett Marino’s four game suspension issued by the CFL later Monday night.
After a couple of days to mull it over, Roughriders Head Coach Craig Dickenson was far from happy when discussing the Riders 28-13 victory over Ottawa on Friday night.
The Riders Head Coach made his weekly appearance on the SportsCage on Monday, his first chance to speak about a Saskatchewan win that was marred by the low hit from the Riders Garrett Marino to Redblacks QB, Jeremiah Masoli. As a result of the hit, Masoli is reported to be sidelined for the next 10-12 weeks.
Dickenson believed Marino’s intention was not to injure the quarterback and the hit was a result of a “perfect storm.”
“Garrett trying to bullrush the tackle, the tackle hardly blocked him at all so he ended up in the quarterback’s lap, I believe he did not try to hurt the quarterback, he did go low, which is a penalty and if you hurt the guy, you’re going to get fined for it.”
The most disappointing part of the defensive lineman’s action according to the Rider Head Coach, was the antics that followed the hit, which included celebratory flexing motions. Even with disappointment, Dickenson said he wouldn’t cut Marino over Friday’s incident.
“The reaction and how he handled the ejection I was disappointed in and still am, but do I think he should be cut, no, we’re not going to cut a guy for that, but he knows that he’s running out of chances.”
The Riders Head Coach added before the league announced any action, the team was planning to sit Marino for Saturday’s game against the Argos.
Dickenson also pointed out that he didn’t believe the defensive lineman was a racist.
“Is he rough? Darn right. Is he physical? Absolutely. Does he push the line? Yes. Does he cross it? Yes, occasionally he back, and we need to reel him back, the racial element and I don’t see it. I don’t think it’s accurate to say it’s involved. ”
When asked if Marino’s activity on Friday can be used as a teachable moment, Dickenson believed that it was possible, adding Marino had made significant strides in his discipline this season before the matchup with Ottawa.
The Riders Head Coach provided an update on the status of Pete Robertson on Monday. The green and white did receive good news as Robertson’s foot is not broken. The CFL sack leader is suffering from a severe sprain and the team is hoping Robertson is able to return in 4-5 weeks.
Saskatchewan returns to the practice field on Tuesday leading up to their matchup with the Argonauts on Saturday as apart of Touchdown Atlantic in Nova Scotia.
