The day before Canadian Football League (CFL) playoffs, suspended league defender Sean Oakman belonging Montreal Alouettes “indefinitely” for what it calls violations of its policies on gender-based violence and harassment.
The Montreal Alouettes also released Oakman from the team, according to a statement from the league on its website.
The CFL said the decision came after it conducted a third-party investigation that began Oct. 30 after hearing allegations against the team on defense.
“The Canadian Football League takes violations of our Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy seriously. Our policy is clear and our commitment to enforcing it is unwavering,” CFL Commissioner Stuart Johnston said in a league statement.
“Following a review, we have decided to suspend Mr. Oakman indefinitely.”
According to the league, the investigation revealed that following an argument, Oakman threatened to send sexually explicit materials to the minor child of his intimate partner.
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In a statement, the league said Oakman's actions constituted a violation of its gender-based violence and harassment policies.
The CFL also states that it “condemns gender-based violence in all its forms” and that “whether such behavior occurs in public or private, the CFL will not tolerate gender-based violence.”
It is unclear how long Oakman could be suspended for or whether he will be allowed to return to the league in the future.
The CFL said Oakman was unable to play in the Montreal Alouettes' Eastern semifinal game due to suspension.
The Montreal Alouettes also released Oakman from the team on Friday, according to the CFL.
“The Alouettes organization will never tolerate gender-based violence or harassment of any kind and has therefore decided to terminate Mr. Oakman’s employment effective immediately,” the Alouettes said in a statement, as quoted by the CFL.
Alouettes general manager Danny Maccioscia also said: “We hold everyone in our organization to the highest standards of integrity and respect both on and off the field. We have decided to release Sean Oakman because his actions are contrary to our core values.”
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