Bethel-Thomspon starts East Final after clearing COVID protocol

Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson started Sunday's East Final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after clearing the CFL's COVID-19 protocols.

Bethel-Thompson's status for the playoff matchup was thrown into doubt when the league forced him to quarantine after he attended a Toronto Raptors game Thursday. He tested negative three times over successive days, including Sunday, to become eligible.

The signal-caller attended the NBA contest at the Argonauts' request. Team general manager Michael Clemons took the blame for the error Friday, saying he thought the CFL had cleared Bethel-Thompson to go to the game, according to Sportsnet's David Morasuitti.

Bethel-Thompson wasn't able to practice with his teammates but attended meetings virtually ahead of the Tiger-Cats matchup.

Bethel-Thompson is in his fourth season with Toronto, racking up 2,303 yards and 12 touchdowns against 11 interceptions while leading the team to a 9-5 record.