BC Lions defensive lineman Odell Willis has been handed a maximum fine following what the league described as a "high hit" on Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros.

The amount of the fine was not disclosed. 

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie admitted Monday the CFL dropped the ball regarding how it handled the helmet-to-helmet hit on Saturday.

Willis delivered the hit on Collaros in the first quarter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 35-16 win over the B.C. Lions. There was no flag thrown on the play, and only after the Riders challenged was an unnecessary roughness penalty called.

What's more, Collaros, who has a history of concussions, was allowed to remain in the game despite twice having to squat down to compose himself. He left later for precautionary reasons and didn't return.

The CFL admitted in a statement released over the weekend that Willis should've been flagged for the hit and the Riders shouldn't have had to use a challenge. It also added its injury spotter should've not allowed Collaros to remain in the contest and Willis could face league discipline as a result of the incident.

Ambrosie reiterated all of those points Monday, saying the league's response to the hit "was clearly inadequate."

"I am committed to removing reckless and dangerous play from our game," he said. "The fact that we did not respond adequately is not acceptable to me.

"I have made that very clear to our personnel today. We are reviewing our processes, protocols and rules to ensure this chain of events is not repeated."

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie's full statement:

I want to acknowledge that our response to the Odell Willis hit on Zach Collaros this past weekend was clearly inadequate.

First of all, the play should have been flagged and a roughing the passer penalty should have been imposed by the on-field officiating crew without Saskatchewan having to use its’ challenge.

Secondly, the Injury Spotter, who has access to several camera angles in the Command Centre, including the view from the “all 24 (players)” camera, should have immediately stopped the game and had Collaros removed from the field for examination upon the first signs of distress.

Finally, we should have publicly acknowledged these errors  and communicated with the media and fans promptly instead of waiting until last evening to share a statement.

I am committed to removing reckless and dangerous play from our game. (Willis’ hit on Collaros is being reviewed today for discipline.) The fact that we did not respond adequately is not acceptable to me. I have made that very clear to our personnel today. We are reviewing our processes, protocols and rules to ensure this chain of events is not repeated.