Justin Cox was lined up to be the starting defensive back of the Saskatchewan Roughriders this year, but after another domestic violence arrest, Cox has now been banned by the CFL. Cox played collegiate football for two seasons at East Mississippi Community College before enrolling at Mississippi State for two more years. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after he went undrafted in 2015.
He has been arrested for Domestic Violence now three times over his career. This first started back at Mississippi State, when he missed the last three games of his senior year for domestic violence and burglary. He has been arrested twice in the past 8 months as well.
According to the Regina Leader-Post, Cox was cut by the Saskatchewan Roughriders after being arrested for domestic violence. CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge said in a statement that the league had given Cox enough chances, and they were done with him.
“Earlier today, the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club released Justin Cox after being informed of an incident involving domestic violence,” Orridge said. “Our clubs have been informed that should any team decide to sign Mr. Cox to a Standard Player Contract, I will refuse to register that contract. This authority rests with the Commissioner under our league’s Constitution.
“The Canadian Football League is committed to doing its part to eradicate violence against women. As is stated in our Policy on Violence Against Women, “the CFL condemns violence against women in all of its forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, and verbal abuse, as well as the disrespectful and demeaning attitudes that foster violence or the tolerance of such violence.” In keeping with the policy, the CFL has worked with Saskatchewan to ensure appropriate outreach is made to local police and support and counseling services. We must all do what we can to ensure the safety of women and to urge perpetrators to seek the help they need to change their behaviour and stop the violence.”
