The NFL suspended five players Friday for violating the league’s gambling policy. Among the group was Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft from Alabama.
Williams and fellow Lions receiver Stanley Berryhill will both sit the team’s first six games of the upcoming season for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games.
Meanwhile, Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore – who also played for the Lions – and the Washington Commanders’ Shaka Toney have been suspended indefinitely. Because the trio placed bets on NFL games during the 2022 season, the league said, those suspensions will last through at least this season. The players are eligible for reinstatement at the conclusion of the league year.
Detroit released both Cephus and Moore shortly after the news broke.
“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.”
NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis
NFL MOCK DRAFT:Jalen Carter falls in first round as Bijan Robinson rises
Cephus was a third-year receiver with four career touchdowns, while Moore was a defensive back in his fourth year with one career start. Toney was seventh-round pick in 2021.
“We have been made aware of the suspension of Shaka Toney,” the Commanders said in a statement. “We have cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions.”
The league said a review found no evidence that inside information was used and or that the game was “compromised in any way.”
The punishment for Berryhill, also a rookie in 2022, and Williams take effect at the final roster cutdown, making them eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games.
Williams was selected 12th overall by the Lions but played sparingly over the team’s final six games, having torn his ACL in the national championship game the prior January.
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit,” Alliance Sports, which represents Williams, said in a statement. “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.”
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was reinstated this offseason after being suspended for all of 2022 for wagering on NFL games while away from the team to address his mental health. In December, New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin was suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Under the policy, coaches — unlike players — are prohibited from gambling on virtually any competition.
