Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Pete Robertson (45) at training camp at Griffiths Stadium. (650 CKOM file photo)

By CJME

suspension

CFL suspends Riders’ Robertson for one game for head-butting Bombers’ Collaros

Sep 5, 2023 | 6:40 AM

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Pete Robertson won’t be playing in the Banjo Bowl.

The CFL announced Monday it had suspended Robertson for one game for the head butt he gave Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros in Saskatchewan’s 32-30 overtime victory in the Labour Day Classic on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.

As a result, Robertson won’t play Saturday when the Roughriders visit Winnipeg for the rematch, which is known as the Banjo Bowl.

With just over four minutes left in Sunday’s fourth quarter, the Bombers faced a second-and-goal from the Saskatchewan five-yard line trailing 20-17.

Collaros threw a pass toward receiver Drew Wolitarsky in the Saskatchewan end zone, but Robertson got his hands up and knocked down the pass.

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In the ensuing celebration, Robertson used his helmet to butt Collaros in the face and the Bombers’ quarterback — who has a history of concussions — fell to the turf.

The officiating crew initially didn’t throw a flag on the play, but the CFL’s command centre informed the officials of the infraction and Robertson was assessed a penalty for unnecessary roughness. That gave Winnipeg a first down at the Saskatchewan two-yard line.

Brady Oliviera scored on a two-yard run on the next play and Sergio Castillo added the convert to give the Bombers a 24-20 lead with 4:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“I’ve just got to learn to control myself a little bit, but it’s the game,” Robertson told reporters after the game. “You can’t do extra with the quarterback, especially a guy like Zach.

“There was jawing all night. Playing against Winnipeg is always a physical game. That happened all night from the first to the fourth quarter.”

The Roughriders got a punt single from Adam Korsak on their next possession to cut the deficit to three points and a field goal from Brett Lauther on the drive after that to tie the score 24-24.

In the first mini-game of overtime, Saskatchewan got a one-yard touchdown run from Antonio Pipkin and a two-point convert from Shawn Bane Jr. to take a 32-24 lead.

The Bombers answered with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Collaros to Kenny Lawler on the first play of their possession, but Roughriders rookie safety Jaxon Ford knocked down a Collaros pass on the two-point convert attempt to preserve Saskatchewan’s victory.

Robertson didn’t have any tackles or sacks in the game. In 11 contests this season, the 30-year-old product of Longview, Texas, has 32 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble.