TORONTO - An arbitrator has overturned the one-game suspension the CFL levied last season against B.C. Lions offensive lineman Jason Jimenez.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon slapped the six-foot-seven, 320-pound Jimenez with the suspension following what was ruled to be an illegal block on defensive lineman Anthony Gargiulo of the Calgary Stampeders in a Nov. 3 game. Gargiulo suffered a broken leg plus torn ligaments and tendons and required surgery to put a plate in his leg. His injuries are career-threatening.

Jimenez launched an appeal and was allowed to play the remainder of the 2007 season. The arbitrator ruled the contact in question was accidental and set aside the suspension.

“We respect the arbitrator’s decision, and will continue to work with the CFLPA on issues of discipline and process, in the best interests of our game and our players,” Cohon said in a statement.