Riders' rookie of the year dropped over domestic assault charge

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released defensive back Justin Cox over allegations of domestic violence.

Regina police arrested Cox Tuesday on a charge of assault causing bodily harm.

The charge stems from Sunday when officers were sent to a home on the 2200 block of McTavish Street for a report of an assault against a 23-year-old woman.

The woman was found with injuries consistent with a physical attack, according to a police media release issued Wednesday morning.

Following his arrest, Cox was released on an undertaking to appear in court on May 4.

In an emailed statement from the Roughriders, the team said Cox had been released and that the team had reached out to police, as well as support and counseling organizations.

Meanwhile, CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge made it clear that the league will not allow Cox to play for any team.

“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,” Orridge said in a news release.

“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,” the statement continued.

A history of domestic violence

This is not the first time that Cox has been in trouble with the law.

In November of 2014, Cox was arrested for trespassing and domestic violence, however, the latter of the two charges were dropped.

Months later in July of 2015, when Cox was trying to make the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs roster, he was arrested and charged with aggravated domestic violence, burglary and trespassing. He was released by the Chiefs shortly afterward.

Cox signed with the Roughriders in 2016 and had a breakout year with the club, being named the team’s Rookie of the Year.

Cox responds

After news broke of his charges, Cox took to Twitter to thank the Roughriders and his fans.

To the fans I apologize for my actions and decisions. The truth will only be known by those that were there during the incident.

— Justin Cox (@SEC_Phenom) April 19, 2017

I want to thank the Saskatchewan Roughriders for giving me a chance to fulfil my dream, I’m sorry for letting you guys down.

— Justin Cox (@SEC_Phenom) April 19, 2017