NFL suspends 5 players — 4 of them Detroit Lions — for violating gambling policy
Detroit Lions rookie wideout Jameson Williams has been suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Williams was one of four Lions’ players who were disciplined by the league on Friday. Williams and wide receiver Stanley Berryhill were suspended for six games each. Wideout Quintez Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore have been suspended indefinitely. Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was also suspended indefinitely
Cephus and Moore have since been released by the Lions.
According to reports, the suspension of Detroit’s 2022 first-round pick is due to mobile betting on non-NFL games at the team’s practice facility.
Cephus, Moore and Toney are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. All three may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
General manager Brad Holmes released in a statement, “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.”
As a result of the league disciplinary action, Berryhill and Williams can still participate in off-season and pre-season activities before beginning their suspensions on the final roster cut-down date.
At his pre-draft media session, Detroit’s third-year general manager discussed wanting to avoid targeting players who would bring negative attention to the organization.
As a result of the league disciplinary action, Berryhill and Williams can still participate in off-season and pre-season activities before beginning their suspensions on the final roster cut-down date.
At his pre-draft media session, Detroit’s third-year general manager discussed wanting to avoid targeting players who would bring negative attention to the organization.