The National Football League (NFL) has issued suspensions to five players after ruling they breached the league’s gambling policy.
Detroit Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and safety CJ Moore were all suspended, as was Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.
Cephus, Moore and Toney were all suspended indefinitely for betting on games during the 2022 season and will not be able to apply for reinstatement until after the 2023 season.
Williams and Berryhill were issued six-game suspensions, covering the opening six games of the 2023 NFL regular season. Both players will be eligible to participate in all off-season and pre-season activities, including pre-season 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,” 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.”
Shortly after the suspensions were announced, the Lions confirmed the team had released both Cephus and Moore following their suspensions.
“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, “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.”
The suspensions represent the first gambling-related bans for players since the NFL banned Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for the 2022 campaign. Ridley was reinstated by the league the 2023 off-season.