Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, Lions safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney have been suspended indefinitely for 2023 for betting on 2022 NFL games.
Meanwhile, Lions wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams have both received a six-game suspension for betting on non-NFL games at an NFL facility.
The indefinitely suspended players may petition for eventual reinstatement. Berryhill and Williams will still be allowed to participate in off-season and pre-season games and activities, as the suspension starts at the final roster cutdown.
An NFL representative said, “a league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”
Detroit EVP and General Manager, Brad Holmes, said the two “exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.”
The Lions have immediately released both Cephus and Moore. Holmes added that the team will work with Berryhill and Williams “to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”
Alliance Sports said in a statement on behalf of Williams that the wide receiver is, “apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit.” The statement also alleges that his suspension was based on 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.”
The Washington Commanders have said the team has, “cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions,” regarding Toney.
The NFL, together with other pro sports leagues, has formed the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, with the rise of both sports betting ads and ease.
