Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Ajou Ajou (#80) runs the football against the B.C. Lions during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu)

By Britton Gray - CJME News

Rider moves

Riders release Ajou Ajou after slotback violated CFL’s gender-based violence and harassment policy

Apr 16, 2026 | 11:12 AM

Ajou Ajou has been released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders after a suspension from the CFL.

The league announced the slotback was suspended for both preseason contests and a minimum of six regular-season games after violating the league’s gender-based violence and harassment policy. Shortly after the announcement, the team released the 24-year-old slotback.

“The Saskatchewan Roughriders do not tolerate gender-based violence or harassment and Ajou Ajou’s actions go directly against the values we hold as an organization,” Jeremy O’Day, the Riders’ general manager, said in a news release.

“We hold our players to a high standard, one that focuses on integrity and treating people with respect. He failed to meet that standard and is no longer a Roughrider.”

The league indicated it was made aware of multiple allegations in late January, and initiated a third-party investigation which included interviews with Ajou, as well as with witnesses and complainants.

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The league said the investigation revealed that on November 18, 2025, Ajou engaged in “aggressive and unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a restaurant in Regina.”

“Protecting the safety and well‑being of our communities is non‑negotiable,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a news release.

“Our players are expected to lead with integrity and serve as role models. When improper conduct occurs, our policy is clear, and we will enforce it without exception. It is my hope that Mr. Ajou learns from this experience, and that other players take this unfortunate situation as a reminder of the standards we uphold.”

In order to be reinstated, Ajou will need to complete a process that includes a minimum of 15 mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, a psychological assessment by another independent expert and a meeting with Johnston. If he is unable to complete the process, the CFL can modify his discipline.

Ajou was selected by the Riders in the seventh round (59th overall) in the 2024 CFL Draft. He was named the team’s rookie of the year after catching 20 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns. He turned that into a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.

He returned to the Riders last season and played in eight regular-season games and started in the 2026 Grey Cup, which the Riders won.

by Britton Gray - CJME News

Riders release Ajou Ajou after slotback violated CFL’s gender-based violence and harassment policy

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