VANCOUVER (CBC) - An arbitrator ruled Thursday that B.C. Lions offensive tackle Jason Jimenez would not have to sit a game in the upcoming season for an illegal block against Calgary defensive lineman Anthony Gargiulo last November.

Gargiulo suffered a broken leg plus torn ligaments and tendons on the play in a Nov. 3 Canadian Football League contest at BC Place Stadium. He also needed surgery to put a plate in his leg.

The arbitrator ruled that the contact in question was accidental, and set aside the one-game suspension.

"We respect the arbitrator's decision, and will continue to work with the CFLPA on issues of discipline and process, in the best interests of our game and our players," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a release.

Under the terms of the league's collective bargaining agreement, players have the right to appeal a disciplinary decision to an independent arbitrator.

The appeal process came under criticism earlier last season when a final ruling on a play involving Edmonton's A.J. Gass took nearly a month.

Jimenez is a key part of a strong offensive line that overcame injuries to quarterbacks Buck Pierce and Dave Dickenson in 2007, allowing just 32 sacks and creating holes for running back Joe Smith.

The Lions open the regular season in Calgary on June 26.

With files from the Canadian Press

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