REGINA — Saskatchewan Roughriders' strong-side linebacker C.J. Reavis maintains he had no intent to injure Winnipeg Blue Bombers' quarterback Zach Collaros in Week 14 during the Labour Day Classic rematch.
As indicated by a poll on Sportcage.com after the hit, most onlookers agree with him. However, the Canadian Football League had a much different opinion as it was announced on Thursday Reavis was fined for a high hit, which came in the third quarter during Saskatchewan’s 21-13 victory and saw Collaros lay motionless on the turf before leaving the game. It’s since been revealed Collaros suffered a head injury and will miss Winnipeg’s game in Week 15 versus Hamilton.
The hit on Zach Collaros resulted in roughing the passer after O'Shea challenged the play.
Collaros left the game, and we await word on his status.#Bombers #Riders #BanjoBowl pic.twitter.com/16MTC8VM72— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) September 6, 2025
Reavis spoke with voice of the Roughriders, Dave Thomas and while he didn’t address the fine itself — that came later on social media — he did talk about what happened and how problems could be avoided in the future.
“First thing I want to say is I’m praying for Zach for sure, hope he gets better, hope he’s alright,” Reavis began. “We called a blitz, seven-man pressure, they didn’t block me and I came free. I tried to hit him first with my chest, but it happened like that. It happened to be a bang-bang play, honestly.”
At the time of the play, former Riders defensive lineman Luc Mullinder pointed out on the Rider Broadcast Network that Reavis doesn’t ‘hit to hurt’ which is proven by his usual style of play.
“I play the game the right way,” Reavis explained. “I lead in with my shoulder, I grab guys and tackle guys with my shoulder and I never lead with my head in tackles. I’m a technical kind of guy.”
Asked how he would tell young football players watching him play how to avoid that kind of issue in the future, Reavis was more than happy to offer a bit of instruction.
“Honestly, I would say aim for the belly button to the chest area and you can’t go wrong,” he said. “If I’d aimed a little bit lower, it would have been fine, it wouldn’t have been a penalty and I would have had my fifth sack on the stats sheet. So, kids, try and aim your target above the waist and in the torso.”
Reavis and the Roughriders are back in action on Saturday night when the Montreal Alouettes make their latest stop at Mosaic Stadium. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates have the pre-game show on the Riders Broadcast Network at 2 p.m., followed by Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder with the game call at 5 p.m.
The contest is also Legends Night, with 2025 Plaza of Honour inductees Alex Smith Jr., Steve Molnar and Chris Best to be honoured with a special ceremony at halftime.
