On Friday, it was reported that the NFL suspended five players — Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill, and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions, as well as the Washington Commanders’ Shaka Toney — for violating the league’s policy on gambling.
It came about a year after star wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for the same reason.
Williams and Berryhill bet on non-NFL games, but they did so while at an NFL facility, and insider Ari Meirov clarified that doing so is against league rules.
Just to be clear: NFL players are allowed to place bets on non-NFL games (NBA, UFC, college, etc).
They are prohibited to do it while at an NFL facility, including the locker room, a team flight, team hotel, etc. https://t.co/3ReW4b0cIZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 21, 2023
In recent years, the laws on sports betting have been loosened across the nation, especially after a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 allowed individual states to legalize the practice.
However, there are always concerns about how gambling could affect the integrity of sports — everyone who was around back then remembers Pete Rose gambling on games involving his Cincinnati Reds in the 1980s and his subsequent ban from Major League Baseball.
While NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated his support for legal, regulated sports betting, the NFL still has a harsh public stance against it.
Friday’s suspensions will hurt an up-and-coming Lions team, as Williams is thought to have plenty of potential following his rookie campaign in 2022.
After starting 1-6, Detroit won eight of their final 10 games and came narrowly close to snagging a playoff spot in the NFC.
Some have even felt they have a shot at not only the playoffs but also first place in the NFC North next season.
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