Kevin Mital denies punching Chelen Garnes during CFL game

During a Canadian Football League game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Elks, an altercation occurred involving Argonauts receiver Kevin Mital and Elks defensive back Chelen Garnes. Following a play where Garnes landed on top of Mital, an exchange occurred that resulted in penalties for both players. Garnes was assessed a 25-yard grade two unnecessary roughness penalty and was ejected from the game.

Mital denied allegations that he punched Garnes in the groin, stating he was merely attempting to push the defender off him to get him to roll over. He described the incident as a potential misunderstanding. The game was noted for high tension, with both teams combining for 13 penalties.

This incident follows a similar recent controversy in the CFL involving a blow to a player's groin that required surgery, leading to increased scrutiny regarding on-field conduct and player safety in the league.