The NFL suspended five players on Friday for violating the league’s prohibition on sports gambling.
The league suspended Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, for at least one year, for allegedly betting on games. Cephus and Moore were promptly cut by the Lions. Former Lions first-round draft pick Jameson Williams and fellow wide receiver Stanley Berryhill were also suspended for six games.
“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 NFL said in a statement. “A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”
Cephus, Moore, and Toney were all suspended indefinitely and cannot apply for reinstatement until after the 2023 season. Williams and Berryhill, meanwhile, were suspended six games for betting on non-NFL games in an NFL facility. They are allowed to participate in offseason programs and the preseason; their suspensions will be enforced after final roster cuts.
Cephus and Moore were cut from the Lions on Friday as well. “These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules,” Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. “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,” Holmes added.
The Commanders issued a statement saying they had been made aware of the suspension and directed inquiries to the league office.
Williams was selected by the Lions out of Alabama with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He did not play most of his rookie season due to a torn ACL he suffered in the CFP National Championship in 2022. He returned for the last four games of the season, catching one pass for a 41-yard touchdown, and rushing once for 40 yards.
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Cephus was a 5th-round pick by the Lions out of Wisconsin. He played in 22 games for the team, catching 37 passes for 568 yards and four touchdowns. He spent time on injured reserve during all three seasons, but was expected to battle for a roster spot this year.
Berryhill was an undrafted free agent signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. He was on the Lions’ practice squad in 2022. Moore was also a member of the Lions practice squad in 2022.
Toney was drafted by the Commanders in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played 26 games in two seasons, notching 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
The suspensions come more than a year after Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for betting on 2021 NFL games. According to reports from the time, Ridley reportedly placed several parlay bets on the Falcons to win, while he was away from the team for his “mental health.” Ridley has since been reinstated. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this year.