Ottawa police have confirmed former Redblacks defensive back Teague Sherman has been charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Police say Sherman was charged last week, but did not provide further details because the matter is before the courts.

Sherman didn’t play in Ottawa’s game against Calgary on Thursday and was released by the Redblacks on Saturday .

In a statement, the Redblacks said they are “aware of the sexual assault charges filed against Teague Sherman and the player has been released. We take any allegation of violence against women very seriously and the Redblacks will have no further comment on Mr. Sherman’s case since he is no longer on the team and his case is now in judicial process.”

The 30-year-old Edmonton native played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2013-16 before signing with the Redblacks last season. He played three games with the Redblacks this season.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

A statement issued by the CFL on Wednesday stated that league “has and abides by a policy on violence against women and condemns violence against women in all its forms,” and that it will not register a contract for Sherman should any team attempt to sign him.

According to SportsNet’s Arash Madani, CFL teams were told to steer clear of Sherman.

A few days ago, the #CFL office sent a memo to all teams informing them that they were not to sign Teague Sherman after his release from Ottawa (there was at least one West Division club interested in his services, not knowing the legal issues). This is clearly the reason why. https://t.co/JOnmdAiaWw — Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) July 18, 2018

– with files from CP