Lions cut Hagerty after groin-hit suspension ends

Josh Hagerty’s CFL suspension is over, and so is his time with the BC Lions. The team announced the release of the defensive back on Tuesday, the same day his two-game ban concluded, per www.tsn.ca.

Hagerty, 28, had been suspended for repeatedly striking Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot in the groin during a Sept. 12 game. Talbot underwent season-ending surgery for what was called a "life-altering" injury.

The release came the day the suspension ended, though no further details on the exact timing of the move beyond Tuesday are confirmed.

THE REVIEW AND THE DECISION

Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement that the team spent the past two weeks reviewing the circumstances around the league’s suspension of Hagerty.

“Over the past two weeks, the BC Lions have conducted a review of the circumstances surrounding the league’s suspension of safety Josh Hagerty,” Rigmaiden said.

As part of that process, the GM said the club met directly with Hagerty and his representatives.

“As part of that process, we met with Josh and his representatives to discuss the incident, the factors that led to it and the potential consequences of his conduct,” Rigmaiden added.

The GM also noted the team did not leave Hagerty without support during his ban.

“We also made professional support available to him during the period of his suspension,” Rigmaiden said.