Saskatchewan defensive lineman Garrett Marino has accepted his four-game suspension and will not issue an appeal..The suspension is the biggest in the Canadian Football League (CFL) history. .READ MORE Roughriders coach defends Marino’s four-game suspension, apologizes for racial insensitivity.Marino issued an apology and statement after receiving the suspension for several incidents in Friday’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli..“I want to apologize for my actions that day, as I understand that they have no place in the game of football,” said Marino in his statement. .“I also apologize to Jeremiah Masoli of the Ottawa Redblacks, as I did not intend to injure him. I have tried over the past few days to connect with him directly and will continue to do so.”.During the game, Marino also made racist statements and he apologized to Masoli for them. .“Regarding the comments I made during the game, I regret that I said them, as I now understand their consequences. This was not my intent when speaking on the field, nor is it ever my intent in my day-to-day life,” said Marino..“I know I play the game with an edge, and during the game, I made an insensitive and culturally stereotypical remark. I now understand this was hurtful to my peers, and I hope I can be forgiven for that misunderstanding.”.“I take pride in being a good teammate and a valued member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club. I did not intend for my comments or actions to be hurtful, and I take solace in my teammates, knowing that I stand with all of them, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.”.Marino had a low hit against Masoli in the fourth quarter of last Friday’s game and then flexed his muscles while being ejected from the game..Masoli was carted off the field and will miss the next 10-12 weeks..Masoli, who is of Samoan ancestry, said that Marino’s racist comments against him have no place in the CFL..“The worst of it is the vile and disrespect(ful) type of behaviour and racial insults that were made toward me more than once … In the CFL we say our diversity is our strength, so there should be no place for the racial hate,” said Masoli..“It’s sad that the hate, racist attitudes, and racial insults are going to be punished with a slap on the wrist. One game for racist insults is simply not enough in my opinion and hopefully, we can use this to promote growth and change for the better. We need to protect the integrity of the game.”.The Roughrider organization released a statement on Wednesday apologizing to the Ottawa Redblacks and Masoli..“The Saskatchewan Roughriders extend its sincerest apologies to quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and have expressed those apologies to several members of the Ottawa Redblacks. We wish him a smooth and speedy recovery,” said the Roughrider statement..The Roughriders are donating to the Redblacks Mentorship Program in Masoli’s name..“The comments and actions of Garrett Marino on July 8th do not represent who we are as an organization or the work we do in the Saskatchewan community. The club will be making a donation to the Redblacks Mentorship Program in Jeremiah Masoli’s name,” said the Roughriders..“The program connects at-risk youth who have experienced racism and discrimination with mentors and provides encouragement, support, guidance, and strategies for youth to reach their fullest potential.”.Marino said he intends to not discuss this suspension and incident again..“I will not be commenting on this matter again but will be working to better myself as I serve this discipline and prepare to rejoin my teammates on the field,” said Marino.
