Adriano Belli ended his career in a way only he could.
The burly defensive tackle of the Toronto Argonauts celebrated a Grey Cup win on Sunday by doing what he’s done many times before – getting tossed for conduct above and beyond what is considered fair and clean play.
It happened late in the third quarter of what turned into a 35-22 win over the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup played at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Argos were leading 27-9 when he received notice of his ejection.
Belli ended a one and a half-year retirement to join the Argos late in the season to provide some veteran Canadian presence on the defensive line.
He had been a model player for the most part upon his return, but in his final game he once again showed his bad-boy image. He said he received the ejection for roughhousing.
Belli was so upset after getting booted from the game, he slammed his cell phone in anger in the dressing room.
Had the Argos lost the game, it would have been a bitter ending, but it turned into something he could laugh about because of the victory.
"It was a hell of a ride for six weeks," Belli told sportsnet.ca. "I feel so lucky. It’s my hometown, the 100th Grey Cup, I got kicked out of the game, which is typical Belli fashion. What a way to end a career.
"We won the Cup and it’s all good when you win the Cup."
When asked if he would possibly come back for one more kick at the Cup, Belli said: "You can quote me on this – not a f—ing chance."
