Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson embarrassed his team Thursday night by breaking the COVID-19 protocol of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Having attended a Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena, Bethel-Thompson thus created controversy on the eve of the Eastern final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this Sunday in Toronto. His presence for this meeting also becomes conditional on tests to be carried out.
The CFL reacted to the situation on Friday, determining that Bethel-Thompson had committed “a flagrant violation of protocols.”
Bethel-Thompson was therefore forced to leave the Argonauts facility on Friday morning to return home. The quarterback must also quarantine himself at home for two days and two nights.
Excluded from training
As a way to prepare for an important game, there are better …
“He cannot attend team meetings in person or participate in his team’s training today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday)”, also ruled the CFL, specifying that Bethel-Thompson can nevertheless communicate with his team electronically and attend virtual meetings.
“He can train on his own and on his own, but not at the team’s facilities,” the league insisted of Friday and Saturday.
Tests to undergo …
In addition to a PCR test taken the day after her blunder, Bethel-Thompson will have to undergo another such test on Saturday, as well as a rapid antigen test on match day.
“If all the tests give negative results and the proof of the negative tests is provided to the office of the League, Bethel-Thompson can then join his team and play on Sunday, December 5,” it was added.
According to the Toronto Star daily, Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie has indicated he is preparing to play without the starting quarterback. Former Montreal Alouettes Antonio Pipkin could get the start.
“We work with the CFL. […] I hope we can resolve this situation, ”Dinwiddie said.
– The CFL has also been informed that four other Argonauts players – Dexter McCoil, Charleston Hughes, Levi Novel and Jeff Richards, also attended the Raptors game. They are now subject to the same quarantine and testing requirements as Bethel-Thompson.