CFL Rundown: Stamps in the mix after dominant win over Bombers
The focus should have been on a nail-biting one-point decision for the Lions, capped by a game-winning field goal with zeroes on the clock. Instead, it was overshadowed by a bizarre and violent post-game melee near the Alouettes' locker room — reportedly sparked by B.C.'s Kemoko Turay and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund from Montreal — involving several players and several punches thrown.
Simply put, this is a black eye for the CFL. There's no place for this in professional sports, especially not in a league that prides itself on sportsmanship and community connection.
To their credit, the CFL has recognized the seriousness of these actions, particularly when it comes to head shots.
They've recently vowed to crack down on violators, including stiffening rules this season for offenders caught throwing punches — even those that don't connect. For those that do, regardless of whether it's an open hand or closed fist, it's an automatic ejection.
This proactive stance was championed by the CFL and the CFL Players' Association as vital for player safety and to maintain the integrity of the game. However, a post-game scrum like the one witnessed Saturday night directly undermines this progress.
Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS
B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm.
Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS
B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm.
Given the seemingly countless number of jabs and shoves that were exchanged, the league now faces a crucial test. Commissioner Stewart Johnston needs to take a hard stance against this behaviour with meaningful disciplinary action.
This isn't just about punishing individuals; it's about setting a clear precedent that this behaviour won't fly. The integrity of the CFL, and the safety of its players, demands nothing less.
Now, let's get into the latest edition of CFL Rundown.
Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry.
Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry.
Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 16 vs. Calgary Stampeders 37
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 51 vs. Toronto Argonauts 38
B.C. Lions 21 vs. Montreal Alouettes 20
Ottawa Redblacks 33 vs. Edmonton Elks 39
Week 6 Schedule:
Friday, July 11: Calgary Stampeders at Saskatchewan Roughriders – 8:00 PM CT
Saturday, July 12: Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats – 6:00 PM CT
Sunday, July 13: B.C. Lions at Edmonton Elks – 6:00 PM CT
2025 CFL Standings:
East Division
1. Montreal 3-2
2. Hamilton 2-2
3. Toronto 1-4
4. Ottawa 1-4
West Division
1. Saskatchewan 4-0
2. Calgary 3-1
3. Winnipeg 3-1
4. B.C. 2-3
5. Edmonton 1-3
Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer
Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff.
Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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