Alouettes’ Micah Awe receives maximum fine for high hit on sliding Vernon Adams Jr.

Photo courtesy: CFL.ca

Montreal Alouettes linebacker Micah Awe has been assessed a maximum fine for delivering a hit to the head of Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, a maximum fine is equal to half a game cheque. Based on Awe’s current contract, that amount would equal roughly $2,361. He reportedly had a hearing with the CFL head office on Wednesday to discuss the supplemental discipline.

The hit occurred during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game between the Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders. Adams Jr. rushed up the middle for 11 yards and slid, when it appeared he was struck in the head by Awe’s arm. The defender was assessed a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer.

Awe is no stranger to league discipline. While playing with the B.C. Lions last year, he was assessed a maximum fine after delivering high hits to quarterback James Morgan and fullback David Dallaire in the same game. According to Derek Taylor of 680 CJOB, the 32-year-old has been fined or suspended 11 times since the start of his CFL career in 2017. This is the most supplementary discipline any active player in the league has received.

The six-foot, 231-pound defender has made 10 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle over five regular-season games with the Alouettes this year.

Over the course of his career, Awe has recorded 578 defensive tackles, 45 special teams tackles, seven forced fumbles, six sacks, and five interceptions as a member of the Lions, Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Redblacks, Alouettes, and Stampeders. He was named All-CFL with Calgary in 2023.

The CFL’s department of health, safety, and integrity manages league discipline involving fines. The committee includes chief football officer Greg Dick, vice-president of officiating Darren Hackwood, associate vice-president of football operations Ryan Janzen, and associate vice-president of health and safety Eric Noivo.

As per league policy, the league does not announce the dollar amount of fines, discipline related to dress code violations, discipline involving teams or staff, or discipline involving players who have been released. Two other players were also fined for actions in Week 6.

The Montreal Alouettes (4-1) will visit the Calgary Stampeders (2-3) at McMahon Stadium on Saturday, July 18, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EDT. The two teams met at Percival Molson Stadium this past week, where the Alouettes won 37-30.

The weather forecast in Calgary calls for a high of 27 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on TSN 690 (English) or 99.5 Montreal (French) in Montreal or 770 CHQR in Calgary.