-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-2023-04-21T103631.481
(New York, NY) — When it comes to gambling, the NFL doesn’t mess around.
The league is suspending five players, including four from the Detroit Lions, for violating the league’s gambling policy, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday.
Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Beryhill each face six game bans while pass catcher Quintez Cephus and defensive back have been suspended indefinitely. Washington Commanders pass rusher Shake Tone also is suspended indefinitely.
Williams and Berryhill are being suspended for mobile betting that occurred at the Lions’ Allen Park facility. The duo reportedly bet on college football games — which is allowed per the NFL but did so from league facilities, which is prohibited.
They can participate in organized team activities, minicamp, training camp and the preseason but won’t be available for regular-season games until Week 7
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The news is particularly devastating for Williams, who missed most of his rookie season while rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship game with Alabama. Detroit selected the college standout with the 12th overall pick in last years draft. He caught just one pass for 41 yards and one touchdown.
Williams’ agent released a statement on Friday:
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit. However, it is important to note that Jameson’s violation was not for betting on football but rather due to a technical rule regarding the actual location in which the online bet was placed.”
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As for the formers, they can reapply for reinstatement after one year, though the Lions announced that their two players (Cephus, Moore) are being released.
“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 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.”
Cephus, 25, was one of the players the Lions drafted with the picks they got in the Darius Slay trade. He appeared in four games last season due to a leg injury and has caught 37 passes for 568 yards, and four touchdowns in his career. was found to have been betting on NFL games last season.
The Lions became aware of the NFL’s investigation about a month ago before the league reached a final decision.
The punishment is eerily similar to that of Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley who was suspended for the 2022 season over bets he made in November 2021. Ridley was reinstated by the NFL in March.
Clearly, the league is cracking down on violations, and is not afraid to dish out long suspensions on anyone who may decide to place bets on games.
