Five NFL Players Suspended for Violating League’s Gambling Policy
The NFL has suspended five players for violating the league's gambling policy.[0] The five players include Jameson Williams, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, Stanley Berryhill, also of the Lions, CJ Moore, also of the Lions, and Shaka Toney, of the Washington Commanders. Cephus and Moore were suspended indefinitely, while Williams and Berryhill received six-game suspensions. The NFL prohibits players from gambling on NFL games, the draft, or other football activities, and from taking part in any form of gambling while at a team facility, league facility, or while traveling with the team.
The Lions have announced that they have released Cephus and Moore following their suspensions. WR Quintez Cephus and S C.J. have been released by the Lions organization, according to a statement. Moore after they were suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league's gambling policy, including betting on NFL games.[1] Following the announcement of suspensions, the Detroit Lions declared that they would be releasing Cephus and Moore without delay. As per ESPN's report, the Lions were notified of the NFL's inquiry “approximately a month earlier.”[2]
The suspensions handed out to each player are not uniform.[3] Both Williams and Berryhill have been suspended for only six games each. All offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games, are open for participation to both players.[0] For those two, their suspensions won't take effect until the day after the final roster cutdown in August, and they'll be eligible to return at some point in mid-to-late October, but the official return date won't be known until the Lions' 2023 schedule comes out.[3]
The NFL'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, per the league. In a statement, Brad Holmes, the Lions general manager, revealed that following an NFL investigation, it was brought to their notice that some of their players had breached the league's gambling policy.[4] The decision-making demonstrated by these players does not align with our organizational principles and goes against the regulations of the league.[5] The decision has been made to separate from Quintez and C.J.[6] Without delay.[6] Stanley and Jameson's decision making has disappointed us, and we will collaborate with them to make sure they comprehend the gravity of these infractions and have a clear understanding of the league regulations in the future.[1]
After conducting an investigation, the NFL declared that there was no proof of any internal knowledge being utilized or any game being affected in any manner.[7] According to the statement, Jameson has taken complete ownership of his actions and expressed deep regret to the NFL, his fellow players, as well as supporters and residents of Detroit.[8] It is crucial to highlight that Jameson did not incur a penalty for wagering on football, but rather for breaching a technical regulation concerning the specific setting where the internet bet was made – an act that would have been permissible by the NFL if executed outside the team's premises.[8] Jameson cherishes the game he loves and would never knowingly compromise its integrity. He eagerly anticipates rejoining his team at the earliest opportunity.[9]
According to Woodyard, The Commanders released a statement regarding Toney's suspension, stating that they have fully complied with the NFL's investigation and stand behind the league's decisions and conclusions.[2] For any additional inquiries regarding the matter, kindly address them to the NFL League Office.[6] As per ESPN.com, the Lions have terminated a number of employees from different departments in the organization who were suspected of engaging in gambling activities.[10]
For the second consecutive season, the NFL has imposed suspensions for gambling.[11] The 2022 NFL season saw Calvin Ridley, the Jacksonville Jaguars receiver, face suspension due to his involvement in betting on NFL games during the 2021 season.[4] After being traded for two draft picks on November 1, Ridley was reinstated this spring when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars.[9]
The NFL's policy of prohibiting players from betting on league games is justifiable.[12] The possibility of game-fixing presents a temptation that poses a significant threat to the league's credibility.[12] It's foolish for individuals to oppose the NFL's regulations on prohibiting players from gambling.[12] If individuals become distrustful of the authenticity of the game results, the NFL will be finished.[13] While teams are free to choose their own gambling sponsors, it's clear that the NFL cannot permit players to engage in football betting if they want to continue earning profits.
0. “Washington Commanders DE Shaka Toney suspended indefinitely by the NFL for gambling” Hogs Haven, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.hogshaven.com/2023/4/21/23692782/washington-commanders-de-shaka-toney-suspended-indefinitely-by-the-nfl-for-gambling
1. “Lions WR Jameson Williams suspended over gambling violations” WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-lions-announce-suspensions-of-4-players-over-gambling-violations
2. “NFL suspends five players for violating gambling policy” CNBC, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/21/nfl-suspends-five-players-for-violating-gambling-policy.html
3. “Five NFL players suspended for violating league's gambling policy, including Lions' 2022 first-round pick” CBS Sports, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/five-nfl-players-suspended-for-violating-leagues-gambling-policy-including-lions-2022-first-round-pick
4. “Five NFL players suspended for violating league’s gambling policy” Field Gulls, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/4/21/23692811/five-nfl-players-suspended-violating-gambling-policy-jameson-williams-detroit-lions
5. “Hot Button: Breaking news and analysis from across the world of sport” DKPittsburghSports.com, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2023/04/21/hot-button-dk-pittsburgh-sports-nfl-nba-nhl-ncaa-mlb-news-national-global-66-bm
6. “Lions release two players following gambling suspensions, stick with first-round draft pick” Fox News, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lions-release-two-players-following-gambling-suspensions-stick-with-first-round-draft-pick
7. “Five NFL players including Macon's Quintez Cephus suspended for violating league's gambling policy” 13WMAZ.com, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.13wmaz.com/article/sports/nfl-suspends-five-for-gambling/93-b1e265f5-fb7c-4c26-a77b-88240ea17320
8. “5 NFL Players Suspended After Violating the League's Gambling Policy” PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2023, https://people.com/sports/nfl-suspends-5-players-after-gambling-policy-violation/
9. “Detroit Lions' NFL gambling suspensions: Here's what we know so far” Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/21/detroit-lions-nfl-gambling-suspensions-policy-jameson-williams/70139059007/
10. “2 Cowboys opponents hit with player suspensions in 2023 for gambling” Cowboys Wire, 21 Apr. 2023, https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/21/gambling-suspensions-washington-commanders-detroit-lions/
11. “NFL suspends 5 players, including Lions 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams, for gambling violations” Yahoo Sports, 21 Apr. 2023, https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-suspends-5-players-including-lions-2022-first-round-pick-jameson-williams-for-gambling-violations-154304893.html
12. “Jones: NFL’s nonsensical player gambling policy needs review after suspensions” The Athletic, 21 Apr. 2023, https://theathletic.com/4437451/2023/04/21/nfl-gambling-suspensions-lions/
13. “NFL suspends Jameson Williams and others for violating gambling policy” NBC Sports, 21 Apr. 2023, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/04/21/nfl-suspends-jameson-williams-and-others-for-violating-gambling-policy/
