After being away from the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the last four weeks, all eyes were on Garrett Marino as he made his return to the Riders locker room today.
Marino faced the music on Tuesday as he practiced with the team for the first time since the beginning of July.
Marino was issued the longest suspension in CFL history following a low hit to Ottawa Redblacks QB Jeremiah Masoli on July 8. The defensive tackle says that the last four weeks were difficult following the suspension.
“I feel bad, I let Rider Nation down, my teammates down, not being out there with the team, it was kind of depressing.”
He added that he had regretted the hit on Masoli.
“I wish it could’ve went differently, I feel horrible that Jeremiah got hurt and I just want to move on.”
Marino then issued an apology to Masoli for the hit adding he felt bad for the hit.
When explaining his actions that followed the hit to the Ottawa QB, Marino said he got caught up in the heat of the moment.
Masoli has not been silent with his current feelings towards Marino. The QB posted a couple of statements on Twitter back on August 7.
Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson is hopeful the everyone is able to move on the situation.
He says that the defensive tackle was happy to be back.
“He really missed his teammates, he really missed football, and I think he’s thrilled to be back, being around the guys, and being apart of the team.”
One change to Marino’s demeanor according to Dickenson is that he has displayed more gratitude.
Prior to exodus from the Riders lineup, Marino complied five defensive tackles and one sack for the green and white.
With the 28 year old available to return to the Riders roster for Friday’s game against BC, Marino promised to be the same player that he was before the suspension except that he will be a smarter when he is on the field.
One of the changes Marino plans to make is limiting his celebratory antics on the field, he noted that he was so caught up in the moment following the hit against Masoli, he did not realize that the quarterback was injured.
Now that he has served his time, the California native is looking towards regaining the trust of the Riders fanbase this week.
Dickenson says that Marino’s status for this week is still to be determined.
When Marino does make his return to action for Saskatchewan, the Riders Head Coach knows the defensive tackle will be receiving increased scrutiny including from opposing players.
“I think guys will test him, cause they know he doesn’t have as many chances as per say a new guy would.”
Marino might not be the only player returning at defensive line for the Riders for their key matchup against BC on Friday. Pete Robertson was back practicing on Tuesday. It appeared that Robertson was slated to return to the lineup against Edmonton but suffered a flare up during practice last week.
Friday’s game is Purolator’s Tackle Hunger game with fans having the opportunity to take their picture with the Grey Cup with a donation of a non-perishable food.
You can catch Friday’s western showdown on 620 CKRM, opening kickoff at 8:00.
