The NFL suspended five players Friday for violating the league’s gambling policy, including four Detroit Lions.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports league suspends Lions buyers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and Security CJ Mooreand Washington Commanders end of defense Shaka Toney.
Williams and Berryhill were suspended for six games. Cephus, Moore and Toney have been suspended indefinitely and can apply to reinstate them after the 2023 season.
The NFL later approved the suspensions.
“A league review revealed no evidence that any insider information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.The following statements were made in the statement made by the league:
The gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from gambling in any way at any club or league facility or venue, including a per-league practice facility.
The Lions announced on Friday that they have released Cephus and Moore following their sentences.
“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that several of our players violated the league’s gambling policy.,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement.These players have made decisions that do not comply with our organizational values and are against league rules. We have decided to part ways with Quintez and CJ immediately. We are disappointed with the decision that Stanley and Jameson made and will work with both players to ensure they understand the seriousness of these violations and are clear on league rules going forward.“
The suspensions are the first gambling-related bans for players since the NFL banned the receiver. Calvin Ridley for the 2022 campaign. The Jacksonville Jaguars receiver has been reinstated by the league out of this season.
According to the Lions, Williams and Berryhill’s penalties resulted from bets on non-NFL games at an NFL facility. Both buyers are eligible to participate in off-season and pre-season activities, which led to their suspension from the last roster cut date.
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and apologizes profusely to the NFL, his teammates, fans and the city of Detroit.“Williams’ representative, Alliance Sports, said in a statement Friday.”It is important to note, however, that Jameson’s breach was not due to football betting but to a technical rule regarding the actual location where the online wager was placed, and would otherwise be permitted outside the club’s facility by the NFL. . Jameson never intentionally compromises the integrity of the game he loves so much and looks forward to returning to his team as soon as possible.“
Williams’ penalty was the biggest blow to the Lions.
Detroit selected the former Alabama receiver in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft after Williams was traded despite being torn from the ACL. The Lions made the choice, hoping to be fully prepared for the 2023 campaign. After a six-game suspension, this plan is on hold until October.
Williams hit one of nine goals in six games in 2022. 41 yard touchdown. He also added a transport for 40 yards.
Williams’ suspension probably means he’s a senior Marvin Jones Jr.Signing to Detroit after spending two years in Jacksonville will have a more prominent role on offense to open the season together. Amon-Ra Aziz Brown And Josh Reynolds. The Lions may also look to the 2023 NFL Draft to boost their receiving position after Williams’ six-game ban.
A former fifth-round pick, Cephus made 22 appearances with the Lions over three seasons. He only appeared in four games in 2022 due to a leg injury and was expected to fight for a squad spot before being released. A draftless free agent, Berryhill made four appearances for Detroit last season, mostly for special teams. An undrafted free agent in 2019, Moore spent four seasons with the Lions and appeared in 56 games as a rotational guard.
Picked in the seventh round by Washington in 2021, Toney played in 26 games for the Commanders, winning 16 steals and 1.5 sacks.
“We have been informed that Shaka Toney has been suspended.“The commanders said in a team statement on Friday.”We have fully cooperated with the NFL’s investigation since we received the notice and support the league’s findings and actions. All other questions on the subject should be directed to the NFL League Office.“
Friday, 21 April 2023