NEW YORK, NY — The NFL announced on Friday, April 21, that they are suspending five players for violating the league’s gambling policy. Four of the players mentioned are currently on the Detroit Lions, and one is on the Washington Commanders.
First reported by NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport said that the NFL suspended Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill, and safety C.J. Moore. The League also suspended Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.
While Williams and Berryhill received six-game suspensions, the NFL suspended all the other players indefinitely. They can apply for reinstatement after the 2023 season. The NFL confirmed all these suspensions.
"A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way," the league said in a statement.
Although the gambling did not affect the outcome of any games, the League said that the NFL gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including practice facilities.
The Lions announced on Friday that they released Cephus and Moore in response to the suspensions.
"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 in a statement. "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."
Cephus only appeared in four games for the Lions in 2022, recording two catches for 15 yards. Moore appeared in five games for the Lions. He recorded 12 total tackles, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery.
According to the Lions, Williams and Berryhill's suspensions result from betting on games not related to the NFL inside an NFL facility. Both receivers can participate in offseason and preseason activities leading up to their suspensions beginning on the final roster cutdown date.
"Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit," Williams' representation, Alliance Sports, said in a statement on Friday. "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 -- and which would otherwise be allowed by the NFL outside of the club's facility. Jameson would never intentionally jeopardize the integrity of the game he loves so much and looks forward to getting back to his team as soon as possible."
Shaka Toney appeared in 26 games for the Washington Commanders over his career. The former 5th-rough pick accumulated 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
"We have been made aware of the suspension of Shaka Toney," the Commanders said in a team statement on Friday. "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."
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