NFL Suspends Five Players For Gambling Violations, Detroit Cuts Players

By Barry Janoff

April 21, 2023: The NFL today said that three players have been indefinitely suspended for violating the league's gambling policy. Two other players were each suspended six games.

The league said 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.

The Lions said Friday they had released Cephus and Moore following news of their suspensions by the NFL.

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 off-season and pre-season activities, including preseason games.

The suspensions will take effect at the roster reduction to 53 players.

The NFL said its 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."

The NFL said a “league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.’

According to NFL Network, “On the major gambling suspensions this morning — those suspended at least a year were found to have (been) gambling on NFL games. Those suspended six games placed bets on college games but from their facility.”

These are the first such moves by the NFL since the league suspended WR Calvin Ridley, then with the Atlanta Falcons, for the 2022 campaign for betting on games during the 2021 season.

Ridley, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was reinstated by the league this off-season.

When Ridley was suspended, commissioner Roger Goodell said via the NFL, “There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than upholding the integrity of the game.

"This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction . . .”

Regarding Cephus and Moore, “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," Lions general manager Brad Holmes said via the team. "These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction . . .”

“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."

Regarding Toney, “We have been made aware of the suspension of Shaka Toney," the Commanders said via the team.

"We have cooperated fully with the NFL's investigation since receiving notice and support the league's findings and actions. All further questions on the topic should be directed to the NFL League Office."

The NFL has official alliances with sports wagering firms including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, WynnBet, Fox Bet and PointsBet.

The NFL in 2021 launched what it called an “extensive, integrated league-wide responsible betting public awareness program designed to educate fans who choose to engage in sports betting to do so responsibly.”

The NFL just formed the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, a “voluntary association of sports leagues and media entities committed to doing their part to help ensure a responsible approach to sports betting advertising.”

Initial members also include MLB, MLS, Nascar, NBA, WNBA, NHL, NBCUniversal, and Fox.

Sports Leagues, Media Companies Form Responsible Sports Betting Advertising Coalition

NFL Launches ‘Extensive’ Bet Responsibly Effort

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