The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced the indefinite suspension of Montreal Alouettes defensive tackle Shawn Oakman for breaching its Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy.
According to the league, the decision followed an independent third-party investigation launched after allegations surfaced on Thursday.
The inquiry, which included interviews with both Oakman and the complainant, determined that the player had threatened to share sexually explicit material with an intimate partner’s minor child following a dispute — a clear violation of CFL policy.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston emphasized the league’s zero-tolerance stance, stating:
“The Canadian Football League takes violations of our Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy extremely seriously. Our policy is clear, and our commitment to enforcing it is unwavering. After reviewing the findings, we have decided to suspend Mr. Oakman indefinitely.”
As a result, Oakman will be ineligible to participate in the Alouettes’ upcoming Eastern Semi-Final.
The CFL reiterated its firm opposition to all forms of gender-based violence, including intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and coercive control, asserting that such behaviour “will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Following the league’s ruling, the Montreal Alouettes confirmed Oakman’s immediate release on Friday night.
In a statement, the team said:
“The Alouettes organization will never tolerate any form of gender-based violence or harassment and have therefore decided to terminate Mr. Oakman’s contract immediately.”
General manager Danny Maciocia added:
“We expect everyone in our organization to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect both on and off the field. Shawn Oakman’s actions do not align with our core values, and we have chosen to part ways with him.”
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