Raghib ”Rocket” Ismail agreed Thursday to make a $10,000 charitable donation rather than be suspended and fined for kicking an opponent in a Canadian Football League melee involving the Toronto Argonauts and Calgary Stampeders.
CFL Commissioner Larry Smith gave Ismail the choice between a one-game suspension and $1,000 fine or the charitable donation. The $10,000 will go to the Special Olympics.
Smith also fined four other Argos-including head coach Adam Rita-and Andy McVey of the Stampeders for their roles in the second-half brawl at the Toronto bench last Sunday.
Ismail twice kicked McVey while the Calgary player wrestled with Van Bellegham. Ismail also attempted to jump on McVey`s head with both feet, but missed.
”These are clearly the actions of an irate child,” Smith said of Ismail, the former Notre Dame star. ”This is the biggest fine levied in the history of our league.
”I find it completely unacceptable behavior and won`t condone it.”
Ismail will play Saturday against the British Columbia Lions.
