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Roughriders head coach 'ready to move on' after A.C. Leonard suspension

Coach Craig Dickenson says A.C. Leonard has already taken a big hit because of the suspensions.  (CBC News - image credit)
Coach Craig Dickenson says A.C. Leonard has already taken a big hit because of the suspensions. (CBC News - image credit)

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were looking at the possibility of further disciplinary actions against A.C. Leonard, but now it looks like that's not going to happen.

"We forgive him and we're ready to move on," head coach Craig Dickenson told a post-practice media scrum on Monday.

Leonard, a defensive lineman, was recently suspended two games for missing a drug test and then a third game for verbal abuse against doping control officers.

Dickenson said Friday he would talk about the possibility of further discipline with Jeremy O'Day, the team's general manager.

"We certainly don't want our players to be rude or disrespectful to anybody," said Dickenson.

So far Leonard has missed games against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts. He'll also miss this week's game against the B.C. Lions on Friday.

Dickenson said Leonard has already taken a big hit.

"Let's not minimize the amount of money he's lost, and the disappointment he's facing in being out three games in a season that's only 14 to begin with," he said.

Dickenson said that he found out about the additional suspension the same time the media did.

"We do not lie on behalf of players, or we do not try to be non-transparent," he said.

Leonard has had eight defensive tackles, three sacks and one interception so far this season.