Despite receiving an unconditional release, Université Laval Rouge et Or star receiver Kevin Mital is fully aware that his off-field issues will not be forgotten.
In exchange for a guilty plea to assault charges, Mital received an unconditional discharge in Quebec Municipal Court last Thursday, barring him from a criminal record. The Rouge et Or imposed a one-game ban on him for violating the team’s code of ethics. He served his suspension in the local opening game against McGill last Saturday.
Mital will be back in action on Sunday when the University of Montreal Carabins host PEPS.
“It will leave its mark, even if I am released unconditionally,” he admitted on Tuesday after team training. This is a stain on my record. If I’m ever involved in the discussions about winning the Jeff Russell (outstanding player in the RSEQ) and Hec Crighton (outstanding player in Canada) trophies, I think it could have an impact, even if it’s just the stats talking. »
He read all the comments
Like all people his age, the 24-year-old recipient is present on social networks and is aware of the comments made towards him. “There are people on both sides who are frustrated with the decision of Laval University and Rouge et Or,” he said. I’ve read all the comments on X (formerly Twitter) and there’s nothing I can do. This is the reality on social networks and people are speaking out without reading the entire judgment. The only thing that can’t stop me is winning another Vanier Cup.”
No distraction
As in the first game of the season in Sherbrooke, where Vert & Or fans sitting behind the Rouge et Or bench had fun taunting him, Mital expects the same treatment on the road.
“It’s always like that and what’s happening off the field will be another reason for me to roll out the red carpet,” he said. You only have to look at the stats (eight receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns) to see that it wasn’t a distraction in Sherbrooke. I can’t wait to play as my teammates a week later and inaugurate the new synthetic surface.
“When my situation was made public, it was not a distraction because I knew it was coming and I knew the next steps to pursue Vanier Cup MVP. It wasn’t stressful for me, but I had to deal with the situation with my family and the Rouge et Or when it became public.
Spicy discussions
Mital is very talkative on the ground and has to be careful. “There is a lot of talk against Montreal, but the referees will allow less this year. A new rule this year, which we learned just before the Sherbrooke game, calls for a 10-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, 25 yards for a second offense and ejection for a third.”
Mital is confident he can have as good a season as last year when he dominated the RSEQ with 58 receptions for 751 yards and 12 touchdowns. “With one less thing it is possible to do just as much and even better,” he emphasized. Last year, me and Arnaud (Desjardins), we weren’t always on the same page and left points on the field. Against Montreal we will try to close the small gaps that we see on the video tapes.
In the 2022 Dunsmore Cup, in a 25-24 win over the Blues, Mital caught nine passes for 116 yards and three majors.
Offensive coordinator Justin Éthier is pleased with his return to the game. “Kevin has created a lot over two years and his return is good business. We have other receivers that can stand out and they performed well against McGill, but we’ll get there. We are very happy to have Kevin back.”