Roughriders fined for practicing with ineligible players

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were fined $60,000 and had their salary cap cut by $26,000 on Thursday after the CFL found the organization guilty of practicing with ineligible players.

A multi-week investigation by the league determined that the Riders were using unsigned players and players on the six-game injured list during practices, a clear violation of CFL rules.

"As commissioner, I am compelled to make decisions consistent with protecting the competitive balance within our league, the spirit of our rules and the integrity of our game," CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge said in a statement, according to Drew Edwards of 3 Down Nation. "The recent conduct, behaviour and activities of the Saskatchewan Roughriders have compromised the reputation of the CFL."

The announcement comes a week after the Riders were fined $15,000 for not playing the mandatory number of Canadians. It also comes on the heels of Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell openly questioning the Riders' roster tactics via Twitter.

Despite raised expectations after the hiring of Chris Jones as general manager and head coach in the offseason, Saskatchewan has struggled to a 1-5 record so far this year. The Roughriders are set to take on the Stamps on Saturday.