The Kuopio Steelers will be without one of the Maple League’s most productive offensive weapons in their playoff opener after running back Joshua Mack was handed a one-game suspension stemming from an incident following the team’s game against the Porvoon Butchers on August 21.
Mack suspended for semifinal
The SAJL Disciplinary Committee imposed a one-game suspension and an official ban on Mack, which he will serve during the Steelers’ upcoming Maple League semifinal.
According to the disciplinary decision, the committee reviewed referee reports, video footage and Mack’s response before determining that he used inappropriate and offensive language toward an official after the game and made physical contact with the official. The contact was repeated after Mack had been instructed not to touch the referee.
Mack accepted responsibility for his actions, acknowledged the inappropriate language and physical contact and apologized. The committee considered his acceptance of responsibility and apology as mitigating circumstances.
Steelers lose major offensive weapon
The suspension leaves Kuopio without its leading touchdown scorer for a game that will determine whether the Steelers advance to the Maple Bowl.
Mack enters the postseason as the Maple League’s second-leading rusher with 931 yards and leads the league with 17 touchdowns.
His absence now forces the Steelers to enter their biggest game of the season without one of the central pieces of their offense.