Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish is slowed down bt Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Tyron Brackenridge during the second half of CFL football action in Regina on Sunday, September 23, 2012.Liam Richards/The Canadian Press
Moon them once, it was an accident. Moon them twice and Calgary Stampeders' running back Jon Cornish is now feeling the shame.
The CFL's leading rusher was decidedly remorseful Monday after Stampeder officials learned he had given Saskatchewan Roughrider fans a bare-bottom salute during Sunday's game at Mosaic Stadium. It marked the second time Cornish had bared himself to Rider fans, although his first lunar showing was purely unintentional. After having his pants yanked down by Saskatchewan defenders on Aug. 25 at Mosaic, Cornish had to rearrange things as he jogged off the field.
In Sunday's 30-25 loss in Regina, things weren't as amusing. Frustrated at being held to just 67 yards, and tired of hearing taunts from the east side stands, Cornish let his emotions be known. He experienced a different feeling after being fined by the Stampeders and the CFL.
"The incident was a mistake on my part," he said. "I definitely took things too far and it reflects poorly on the organization ... It was an extreme lack of judgment on my part and I apologize to everyone in the CFL and to the commissioner."
Cornish was a star attraction throughout Sunday's game. Riders' coach Corey Chamblin had challenged his players to hold the 27-year-old Canadian to less than 100 yards rushing or else jobs would be lost. The Saskatchewan defence did as ordered, which helped secure the outcome.
Calgary coach John Hufnagel was not impressed with what Cornish did.
"I'm very disappointed in Jon. He took things too far and it needs to be dealt with," Hufnagel said.
Cornish and the Stampeders play host to the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The forecast is for a Waxing Gibbous, not a full moon.