Jamie Nye: A.C. Leonard might have exposed Riders’ larger issue

A.C. Leonard has handed Craig Dickenson his first big test as a head coach.

First, Dickenson defended Leonard last week, describing whatever happened between Leonard and the drug testing officers as nothing major. The Roughriders’ head coach actually expected the defensive end to play last week.

Then came the automatic two-game suspension handed down by the CFL and Dickenson said Leonard decided not to wait around and blamed Leonard’s leaving on impatience.

Well, so much for that fairy tale.

Now comes the additional suspension for Leonard verbally abusing and displaying unacceptable behaviour toward the doping officer.

So much for “nothing major.” These doping officers take a lot of B.S. from some players. Nobody wants to pee in a cup after a game, especially a loss.

The doping officers have been sworn at and players have been difficult, but this is the first time a player has taken it far enough to face a one-game suspension.

Dickenson lied to protect his player and this is amid his team being the most undisciplined on the field.

If Dickenson is willing to forgive Leonard’s behaviour, we no longer need to ask why the Riders can’t clean up their penalties.