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The CFL has suspended Ottawa Redblacks cornerback Jonathan Rose for Sunday's Grey Cup, pending the outcome of an appeal filed on his behalf. Rose, a 2018 CFL All Star who intercepted five passes during the regular season, shoved an official last weekend as part of a sideline altercation during the Redblacks' semifinal victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was ejected from the game.  In a statement, the CFL said it is "extremely reluctant to take an action that could prevent an athlete from joining his teammates for what may be the most important game of his life." The statement continued: "But there is another principle at stake, one which has very significant implications for our league and sport in general. If we fail to send a strong signal when there is physical abuse of an official, whatever the circumstances, we risk sending the wrong message to not only the athletes in our league but young and aspiring athletes, coaches and even parents throughout sport. Officials are an important part of athletic competition, responsible for its integrity. While their contributions too often go unsung, we cannot allow them to be disrespected or, worse, abused." Sunday's game will be televised live on ESPN2 beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
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