Ruling on Bombers’ hit on Jyles could come Tuesday

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This article was published 31/10/2011 (5148 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A ruling on Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Johnny Sears could come as early as Tuesday.

Sears is scheduled to have a teleconference hearing with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon Tuesday regarding his hit on Toronto Argonauts quarterback Steven Jyles. In last Friday’s 27-22 loss to the Argos, Sears delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on the sliding Toronto quarterback in the fourth quarter.

Sears drew an unnecessary roughness penalty and was ejected from the game for rough play. The second-year Blue Bomber expressed remorse about the hit following the game, saying that he was aiming for Jyles’ hip as he went in for the tackle.

“It was no cheap shot…I wouldn’t want that on any player,” Sears said after the game. “As a tackler, my aiming point was the hip. As I’m running, I’m not stopping. He chose to slide late; (I’ve) already decided to go at that hip. By that time, he’s under me. Bang-bang play. I (wasn’t) like I wanted to put him out or anything like that.”

Jyles remained on the turf for several minutes. He did walk off on his own and told reporters he was fine after the game.

The Bombers (10-7) are back on the practice field Tuesday morning.

They take on the Calgary Stampeders (10-7) Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium, but will be without the services of quarterback Buck Pierce for the game.

Pierce, who injured his right knee in the Toronto loss, has been ruled out by the coaching staff. Backup Alex Brink will make his second start this season.

A win in Calgary gives the Blue and Gold first place in the East division. A loss means Winnipeg’s dreams for first will hang on a B.C.

Lions victory over the Montreal Alouettes later that evening.