Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end A.C. Leonard during practice. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By Britton Gray/ CJME News

‘It’s been tough’: Leonard accepts responsibility, apologizes for suspension

Sep 21, 2021 | 5:18 PM

A.C. Leonard isn’t offering many details about what happened after the Labour Day Classic, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end is apologizing for his actions.

The 29-year-old was suspended for two games after failing to provide a doping test sample and for an additional game for verbally abusing the official trying to administer the test.

“I’m not going to go into detail about the whole night and what happened. I feel terrible about it and these past couple weeks have been very, very hard on me,” Leonard said Tuesday, the first time he spoke to media since the two-game ban was levied Sept. 10. The additional suspension for the interaction with the CFL doping official was announced last Thursday.

“First, I want to apologize to my teammates and apologize to my family for just bringing this unwanted and negative press on. I want to apologize to Rider Nation — I didn’t mean for this to happen. I want to apologize to my coaches and I appreciate them for standing behind me and just supporting me through the whole situation.”

After the suspension was announced, Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson said Leonard waited around to submit a urine sample after Saskatchewan’s 23-8 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but Leonard chose to leave when he couldn’t produce the sample.

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On Tuesday, Leonard said he has had trouble providing samples in the past. He admitted he knew he would get a two-game suspension if he left without providing the sample.

“As a man, I accept full responsibility and I didn’t want to put my team through all of this. I want to take my suspension, get it over with and put it behind me,” Leonard said.

Leonard wouldn’t say what happened with the doping official, but said they had a conversation.

“We had laughs. We talked about life. I was here until 2 a.m., so we got to know each other a little bit,” Leonard said.

He said it’s been difficult to stay on the sidelines while the rest of the team has been playing. Leonard has appeared in four games this season, collecting eight tackles, three quarterback sacks and an interception.

“It’s been tough. This is what I do for a living. This is what I love to do and provide for my family,” Leonard said. “This has been a learning experience for me. It has given me a chance to self-reflect and work on myself mentally.”

Dickenson said he feels Leonard has done a good job of taking responsibility for his actions.

“I’m proud of him,” Dickenson said. “Now we just need to get him practising again and going again so he can play.”

Dickenson said members of the Roughriders’ management discussed the situation and feel like no more punishment will be needed.

Leonard said it means a lot to him that the team supported him.

“I was down on myself for a couple weeks,” Leonard said. “To know they have my back and just telling me ‘Everything is going to be OK and we’re going to get through this and win us a Grey Cup,’ it’s very encouraging.”

Leonard knows he will probably be tested more due to the incident but accepts that — and that some might have suspicions about him since he walked out without providing the sample.

“I’m fine with that. I have nothing to hide. Whenever they want to give it to me, I’ll accept it,” Leonard said.

Leonard will miss Friday’s game against the host B.C. Lions, which is the final game of his suspension. Kickoff for that game is set for 8:30 p.m.

Leonard will be eligible to play against the Calgary Stampeders on Oct. 2.

Notes: Defensive back Ed Gainey (toe) once again practised with the starters … Defensive back Blace Brown (knee) did not practise. Defensive back Elie Bouka was in his place … Left tackle Brett Boyko once again was with the starters with Andrew Lauderdale (ankle) missing practice.