Five Players Suspended by NFL over Betting Violations
NFL is making it clear to players that gambling on games will not be tolerated.
The National Football League (NFL) issued suspensions to four Detroit Lions receivers; Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill, safety CJ Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, after ruling that they breached the league’s gambling policy.
Cephus, Moore and Toney were all suspended indefinitely for betting on games during the 2022 season and will not be able to apply for reinstatement until after the 2023 season.
Williams and Berryhill were issued six-game suspensions, covering the opening six games of the 2023 NFL regular season. Both players will be eligible to participate in all off-season and pre-season activities, including pre-season games.
The NFL gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.
Lions vice president and GM, Brad Holmes said the sanctioned players exhibited decision making that was inconsistent with the organizational values and thereby violates league rules and therefore, the club will immediately part ways with Cephus and Moore who were suspended indefinitely.
The Lions executive while disappointed by the decision making demonstrated by Berryhill and Williams, will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules, going forward.
The suspensions represent the first gambling-related bans for players since the NFL banned Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for the 2022 campaign. Ridley was reinstated by the league for the 2023 off-season.
Source: cbssports.com
