The BC Lions have severed ties with Canadian defensive back Josh Hagerty, releasing the 28-year-old Regina native on Tuesday following a league-imposed suspension for an on-field altercation that left Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot requiring surgery.
Hagerty was handed a two-game ban by the CFL on September 17 after striking Talbot twice during the Lions’ 48-29 victory at BC Place on September 12. The incident has now cost the six-year veteran his roster spot with the organisation he joined for a second campaign.
A costly moment in a lopsided victory
The flashpoint arrived in a contest the Lions controlled from start to finish. Talbot, a 23-year-old from London, Ontario, suffered a groin injury that the Alouettes say was a direct result of the blows. Montreal subsequently placed the Canadian running back on the six-game injured list, with the expectation he will not feature again this season.
The league’s discipline did not stop with Hagerty. Montreal defensive back Don Callis and Lions defensive back Ronald Kent Jr. each received one-game suspensions for their involvement in the same melee, underscoring the chaotic nature of the sequence.
Front office cites organisational standards
General manager Ryan Rigmaiden said the club used the suspension window to conduct a thorough review. In a statement, he outlined a process that included meetings with Hagerty and his representatives, as well as the provision of professional support for the player.
> “As part of that process, we met with Josh and his representatives to discuss the incident, the factors that led to it and the potential consequences of his conduct,” Rigmaiden said. “We also made professional support available to him during the period of his suspension.”
The verdict was unambiguous. “With that review now complete, the club has decided to release him. While we respect Josh, his actions were inconsistent with the standards expected of a BC Lion. We believe this decision is in the best interests of the organisation going forward.”
A journeyman’s tenure in Vancouver ends abruptly
Hagerty arrived in British Columbia for a second stint this year after a brief spell with the Edmonton Elks earlier in 2024. He originally entered the league with the Toronto Argonauts, where he spent three seasons and captured a Grey Cup championship in 2022.
This season, the defensive back had accumulated 20 tackles — 11 on defence and nine on special teams — across 13 appearances. His versatility made him a useful depth piece, but the front office ultimately determined the reputational damage outweighed the on-field contribution.
Why it Matters
The Lions’ swift departure from a Grey Cup winner sends a clear message across the CFL: off-field conduct and on-field discipline are non-negotiable, regardless of pedigree. For a team harbouring playoff ambitions, the move reinforces a culture of accountability at a critical juncture of the schedule. Meanwhile, Montreal loses a promising young Canadian runner for the remainder of the campaign, a blow that could reshape the East Division playoff picture. The ripple effects of those few seconds in September will be felt long after the suspensions expire.
