Roughriders receiver Ajou Ajou was released from Saskatchewan’s CFL team following the results of a third-party investigation into allegations of gender-based violence and harassment by the league.
Ajou’s release came after a league investigation into allegations of him making unwanted physical contact with women at a restaurant in Regina on Nov. 18 of last year, the same day the Riders held their Grey Cup parade.
The CFL’s decision, which was released on Thursday morning, called for a minimum six-game suspension after Ajou breached one of its violence and harassment policies.
“We decided to release Ajou, as this was clearly a violation of our team’s code of conduct and the CFL’s gender-based violence and harassment policy,” Jeremy O’Day, the team’s general manager and vice president of football, told reporters.
“Our expectation is that our players and staff treat people with respect and integrity. These violations clearly did not meet that standard.”
This call was made by the team, without any input from the league, he added. The Riders’ general manager confirmed he has spoken with his now-ex receiver since the decision.
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“To be honest, (it) was a sad conversation, but really just trying to give him the information. Talk it through with him a little bit,” said O’Day.
The league was made aware of multiple allegations against the player in late January by the team, O’Day said. Those allegations led to a third-party investigation, which involved interviews with Ajou, the complainants and more than one witness.
“We hold each other to a high standard. We’re trying to develop a culture that people feel safe in, that people feel respected. A family atmosphere,” he said.
For him to be reinstated and play in the league next season, Ajou must participate in a minimum of 15 counselling sessions with a gender-based violence expert, meet with the commissioner and complete a psychological evaluation performed by an outside expert, according to the CFL.
Even if he fulfils these requirements, O’Day said there is no future for Ajou with his team.
“It is my hope that Mr. Ajou learns from this experience, and that other players take this unfortunate situation as a reminder of the standards we uphold,” said Stewart Johnson, the CFL league commissioner.
Looking to next season, O’Day said wide receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby will replace Ajou.
In his final season with the Riders, Ajou totalled 212 yards on 22 receptions and no touchdowns. The Alberta native was waived by the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts in January 2025.
All CFL players, coaches and staff must complete training on gender-based violence and harassment, the league said. Members also do other mandatory education, including concussion protocols and the player code of conduct.
“Our whole team was probably out that night (of the parade), and the large majority of them understand what it’s like to be in the community and how to handle yourself in the community,” said O’Day.
O’Day said no other members of the team are under investigation by the CFL.
Global News has reached out to the Regina Police Service for comment.
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