Three players have been suspended at least one year for placing NFL betting wagers on games last season, the league announced Friday.
Detroit Lions’ players Quintez Cephus and CJ Moore, and Washington Commanders’ player Shaka Toney, will miss at least the 2023 season for violating NFL betting policy.
The league also announced that Lions’ players Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams have been banned for six games for other gambling policy infractions, including wagering from an NFL facility on non-NFL contests.
Lions release Cephus, Moore
The Lions elected to release Cephus and Moore.
The team also released 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,” Lions executive VP and GM Brad Holmes said. “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.”
Commanders comment
The Commanders released a statement following the Toney ban.
“We have cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions,” the Commanders said. “All further questions on the topic should be directed to the NFL League Office.”
NFL betting rules strictly enforced
The league’s policy prohibits anyone in the NFL, including players, coaches and staffers, “from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.”
According to the league, a review “uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”
ESPN reported that the Lions became aware of the investigation about a month ago. Detroit also dismissed various staffers for gambling violations around that time, according to the ESPN report.
The NFL provides training and education on its gambling policy, as well as awareness on situations and pitfalls that could occur.
Previous suspensions under NFL betting policy
Arizona Cardinals’ defensive back Josh Shaw was indefinitely suspended in 2020 for betting on the NFL over multiple occasions. He was on injured reserve at the time and has not played since 2018.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended last season for placing multiple parlay bets in November 2021 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He has since been reinstated.
Ridley’s bets happened when he was away from the team addressing mental health concerns.
New York Jets’ wide receivers coach Miles Austin was also given at least a one-year betting ban last December for wagering on sports and table games.
