Winnipeg Blue Bombers release receiver due to sexual assault allegation

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers said the move to release wide receiver Jalen Saunders on Wednesday was due to an allegation of sexual assault.

In a statement to Global News Thursday night, the football club said it was made aware of the alleged assault via social media.

“Immediately, our club advised the individual who came forward to notify the Winnipeg Police,” the statement reads.

“At the same time, we began our internal review of the off-the-field incident, following the CFL policy of violence against women.”

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The Bombers said after the review was completed, Saunders was immediately released.

“The Winnipeg Football Club takes violence against women and sexual assault seriously, and thanks the individuals for coming forward on this.”

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Global News has reached out to Winnipeg police Thursday night, but were unable to confirm the incident or whether Saunders has been charged.

Winnipeg signed Saunders in April.

He last played in the CFL in 2018, registering 45 catches for 739 yards and two touchdowns in nine games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Saunders signed with Ottawa in 2020 before the CFL cancelled the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He never got on the field in 2021 after being involved in a serious car accident.

–With files from The Canadian Press