NFL
Five players suspended by NFL for gambling policy violations
Last year’s Detroit Lions first round draft pick Jameson Williams was among five players handed down suspensions for gambling policy violations.
The NFL confirmed on Friday that five players have been suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy.
The Detroit Lions will lose wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams for six games, although they will be allowed to take part in practices, minicamp, training camp and the preseason. The suspensions will come into effect with the final roster cutdown.
The Lions traded up in order to get their hands on Williams in last year’s draft, taking him 12th overall.
For wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, the consequences are more dire. They have been suspended indefinitely along with Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, and will miss at least a year, with the league allowing them to petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
This has led the Lions to immediately release Cephus and Moore, and the team has issued a statement saying, “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. These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately.”
Detroit General Manager Brad Holmes went on to say about Williams and Berryhill, “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.”
The league’s gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.
An NFL league review found no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.
The Commanders also released a statement confirming that they were aware of Toney’s suspension, but did not confirm whether or not they had cut ties with him, saying only that they have cooperated fully and would answer no further questions on the matter.