On Friday, the NFL suspended WR Quintez Cephus and S C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions and DE Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season.
In addition, Lions wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and former 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams are suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Berryhill and Williams can participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the final roster cutdown.
Cephus, Moore, and Toney may petition for reinstatement after the 2023 season.
Following the announcement of the suspensions, the Lions released Cephus and Moore.
According to the league, no evidence indicates any inside information was used or that any game was compromised.
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.
Williams’ management team(Alliance Sports), who apologized on his behalf, said he did not bet on football; however, he placed an online bet at the team’s facility.
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates, and the fans and city of Detroit,” Alliance Sports said. “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. Jameson would never intentionally jeopardize the integrity of the game he loves so much and looks forward to getting back to his team as soon as possible.”
In 2022, Williams, who was selected 12th by the Lions in the draft, missed most of his rookie season after tearing his ACL in the National Title Game while at Alabama; he appeared in six games with the Lions last season.
The NFL is coming down hard on players for gambling. Last season, Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley, who was with Falcons at the time, was suspended for the 2022 season for betting on games during the 2021 season.
