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UPDATE: The CFL has issued a statement on the matter involving Toronto Argonauts star quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Bethel-Thompson must quarantine for two days and two nights at home. He will undergo testing Friday and Saturday and must complete a Rapid Antigen Test on Sunday, the day of the game. If all of the tests are negative, he will be able to suit up for Toronto.
Original Story: The Toronto Argonauts had a major mishap regarding the CFL’s COVID-19 protocols and are now expected to be without their starting quarterback for the crucial Division Finals as a result.
According to Dave Naylor of TSN, Argos quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson attended a Toronto Raptors game on Thursday at his team’s request to promote their upcoming East Final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday.
Unfortunately, that was a violation of COVID protocols and as a result, Bethel-Thompson will have to quarantine for four days.
Anyone who can do simple math can see that means he will could unavailable for the game. That would be a crucial blow to the Argonauts chances, and a horrendous situation to find themselves in as one of the favorites to win the Grey Cup.
The Argos are reportedly waiting on a final decision from the CFL on his status.
Hearing @TorontoArgos QB MacLeod Bethel-Thompson has been sent home and is being held out of practice today because of attending the @Raptors game at his team’s request. It’s a violation of CFL Covid protocol, which states he must now quarantine 4 days. Game day is Sunday.#CFL
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) December 3, 2021
Now, this could all be some ridiculous misunderstanding of the rules or what is actually happening, but if the team requested their star quarterback attend a game that costs him his availability in the East Finals, that is an all-time blunder. We’ll have to wait and see.
The Argonauts, who are the top team in the East, are scheduled to take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, December 5. Kickoff at BMO Field in Toronto is set for 12:30 p.m.
