Josh Hagerty’s CFL suspension is over and so is his time with the BC Lions.
The team announced the release of the defensive back on Tuesday.
Hagerty, 28, had been banned for two games for repeatedly striking Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot in the groin during a Sept. 12 game. Talbot underwent season-ending surgery for what was called a “life-altering” injury.
“Over the past two weeks, the BC Lions have conducted a review of the circumstances surrounding the league’s suspension of safety Josh Hagerty,” Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement. “As part of that process, we met with Josh and his representatives to discuss the incident, the factors that led to it and the potential consequences of his conduct. We also made professional support available to him during the period of his suspension.
“With that review now complete, the club has decided to release him. While we respect Josh, his actions were inconsistent with the standards expected of a BC Lion. We believe this decision is in the best interests of the organization going forward.”
A native of Regina, Hagerty was in his sixth CFL season and second with the Lions. He appeared in 13 games this season, recording 20 tackles. The Saskatchewan product has also spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts with whom he won a Grey Cup in 2022.
