Five players from the Detroit Lions organization have received a suspension from the NFL for gambling on team property. Three players were suspended indefinitely, and the other two were given shorter six-game suspensions.
The NFL cracked down similarly on former Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley in 2021. The league released a statement detailing the punishment and naming the players who will be suspended. They wrote:
“Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
“Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions are suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season. These players are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the roster reduction to 53 players.
“The 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.”
Jameson, a first-round draft pick in 2022 from Alabama, was a player the Lions had big hopes for. The organization undoubtedly saw him as a potential offensive star this season, though his plans are derailed. Jameson’s agent released a statement shared by Fox News describing his position on the young player:
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit. However, it is important to note that Jameson’s violation was not for betting on football but rather due to a technical rule regarding the actual location in which the online bet was placed — and which would otherwise be allowed by the NFL outside of the club’s facility.”
While Jameson remains on the team, Cephus and Moore are not so fortunate. The Detroit Lions announced via press release that they would be releasing the pair following the delineation of this brutal punishment:
“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. 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.”
Calvin Ridley, suspended in 2021 for a similar violation, was just reinstated to the league last month. Ridley released a statement on the matter, saying:
“Today’s reinstatement by the NFL brings an end to a challenging chapter of my professional career, one that was self-inflicted and began with an isolated lapse in judgment. I have always owned my mistakes and this is no different. I have great respect for the game and am excited for the opportunity to restart my career in Jacksonville. I look forward to showing my new coaches, teammates, and the entire Jaguars organization exactly who I am and what I represent as a player and person.”
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