Alouettes DL Oakman suspended indefinitely; released from team

Defensive lineman Shawn Oakman has been suspended indefinitely for violating the Canadian Football League’s Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy, the league announced on Friday, and the team also announced that they have released the fifth-year veteran.

The suspension is effective immediately, and the Alouettes made the decision to release Oakman effective immediately as a result.

“We hold everyone in our organization to the highest standard of integrity and respect both on and off the field,” general manager Danny Maciocia said. “We’ve decided to release Shawn Oakman because his actions go against our core values.”

The league was made aware of the allegations on Thursday and immediately initiated a third-party investigation, which included interviews with Mr. Oakman and the complainant.

The investigation revealed that following a dispute, Mr. Oakman threatened to send sexually explicit material to an intimate partner’s child, who is a minor. Mr. Oakman’s actions constitute a breach of the CFL’s Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy.

Oakman, 33, appeared in 17 games for the Alouettes this season, and accrued 34 tackles and six sacks to go along with two forced fumbles.

“The Canadian Football League takes violations of our Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy with the utmost seriousness. Our policy is clear, and our commitment to enforcing it is unwavering. Following review, we have made the decision to suspend Mr. Oakman indefinitely,” said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston.

The fifth-year pro has been named an East Division All-Star three times in his career.

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