Five players suspended for violating NFL gambling policy

[April 22, 2023]   (Reuters) - Five NFL players, including four from the Detroit Lions, have been suspended for violating the league's gambling policy, the NFL said on Friday.

The league suspended Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and safety CJ Moore, and Washington Commanders' defensive end Shaka Toney.

Sep 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) get in position for a kickoff against Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
 

Williams and Berryhill are suspended for the team's first six regular season games of the 2023 season.

Cephus, Moore and Toney are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season.

"A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way," it said.

"The 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 Lions' Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes said the team had immediately released Cephus and Moore.

"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 CJ immediately," Holmes said.

"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."

The Lions added that Berryhill and Williams were suspended for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games.

"Both Berryhill and Williams can participate in off-season and pre-season activities leading up to their suspension, which will begin on the final roster cut down date," the team said.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)

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