Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Simoni Lawrence hit the head of Roughriders star quarterback Cody Fajardo in Saturday’s home opener at Mosaic Stadium..Lawrence received a 15 yards unnecessary roughness penalty during the second quarter for the hit..Fajardo stayed on the field and did not miss any snaps, however, he was very slow to get up off the field..After the game finished, Fajardo talked about how the hit disrupted his game..“I was dealing with a little bit of an injury. Halftime really helped me get myself together after taking that hit. I believe it was Simoni Lawrence,” said Fajardo. .“I was dealing with a little bit of something. I just kind of had to buy some time on the sideline and then halftime to come back and play like myself.”.Neither of the Riders’ medical team nor the CFL’s concussion personnel took Fajardo to the sideline for any concussion tests..Fajardo said it was the right decision..“It wasn’t really my head that was the issue. Yes, he hit me in the head, but just kind of getting folded up was the issue,” said Fajardo. .“I think the spotter knew, I didn’t initially just grab my head. I think that’s the big thing is when you get hit in your head and you feel it, you usually go straight and grab your head or you’re trying to take your helmet off, but I knew my head was good. I just knew that other things weren’t very good.”.During the post-game, the media asked Fajardo about the hit from Lawrence and if he felt it was the correct penalty call of just an unnecessary roughness penalty..“No comment, I mean that’s just… it’s been like that the entire time I’ve been in this league,” said Fajardo..The Riders won the home opener game 30-13 over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats..The Riders take on the Edmonton Elks on Saturday.
