Roughriders Fire Ajou Over Gender-Based Violence

0:00It's April 22nd. This is Calgary News Today. AI-powered stories from your city. I'm quarrying with the story. To scatch on rough riders, just fired wide receiver Aju Aju after an outside investigation found he broke the CFL's gender-based violence policy. This all stems from aggressive behavior and unwelcome contact with women at a Regina restaurant on the day of the team's breakup parade last. In November, the team made it clear no tolerance for that kind of thing, and he's gone for good from the riders. The CFL stepped in quick, suspending Aju for the full 2026 preseason, plus at least six regular season games. They launched the probe back in late January after hearing multiple complaints, talking to him, witnesses, and the women involved. Riders GM Jeremy O'Day said, a Jew failed their standards on respect and integrity. After praising the move big time, Jill or not, a prophet, University of Regina, calls it a model for change in male-dominated sports.

1:00Josh Howgrewd, from Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan, says it shows real leadership, setting the tone for the whole league and proving zero. Tolerance means business. This hits hard in Saskatchewan, where stats show the highest rates of sexual victimization and family violence in Canada, like 700. 37 cases per 100,000 people last year, double the national average. Experts say firing Aju boosts confidence for future whistleblowers, just like the women who spoke up here. Riders action could spark generational shifts, pushing players, kids and fans to rethink bad behaviors. Aju still faces 15 counseling sessions, a psych assessment, and a sit down with the CFL commissioner before any comeback elsewhere, but not in, green.