The Montreal Alouettes will be missing defensive tackle Shawn Oakman when they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the upcoming East Division semifinal game this Saturday.
Oakman, aged 33, has been suspended indefinitely by the Canadian Football League for violating its Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy. The league took swift action upon learning of the allegations, launching a thorough investigation that involved discussions with both Oakman and the accuser.
The investigation uncovered that after a disagreement, Oakman made threats to share sexually explicit content with the minor child of his partner.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston emphasized the league’s staunch stance against any form of gender-based violence and harassment, reiterating the organization’s commitment to upholding its policies. As a result of the review, Oakman has been suspended indefinitely.
The CFL condemns all forms of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, harassment, and other behaviors that contribute to fostering violence or tolerating such actions.
The league, under Johnston’s leadership, makes it clear that gender-based violence will not be condoned, whether it occurs publicly or in private.
This article was originally reported by The Canadian Press on October 31, 2025.
Keyphrase: CFL gender-based violence
