Among five NFL players suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy, four were reportedly Detroit Lions players.
“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes shared in a statement. “These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.”
The NFL has strict rules regarding players gambling on games. The league prohibits anyone in the NFL “from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.” But, gambling on other sports not including football is allowed.
Of the players facing punishment, the Lions’ first-round pick from last season Jameson Williams received a six-game suspension from the team. Stanley Berryhill received the same sentence, but both players are allowed to partake in the team’s offseason program and preseason activities.
Although specific details about the nature of the gambling were not released, NFL insider Ian Rappaport did discuss Berryhill and Williams’ offenses on social media. According to the insider, the Detroit players were allegedly caught gambling on college games from their team facility.
However, the league claimed found “no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way” following an investigation into the matter.
Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore were suspended through the 2023 NFL season.
Some athletes were not as lucky with their punishment. Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore were both placed on indefinite suspension and are unable to play throughout the entire 2023 season. Although they are eligible for reinstatement following the 2023 NFL statement, the Lions have since decided to release the players.
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“We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately,” Holmes revealed. “We are disappointed by the decision-making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”
In addition to the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was also placed on indefinite suspension.
This is not the first time players have been suspended for gambling. In fact, just last year, Calvin Ridley of the Jacksonville Jaguars was suspended for the entire 2022 season after he was caught betting on teams. During his suspension, he was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Jaguars.
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