NFL suspends Lions' Jameson Williams, 4 more players for gambling
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is among five NFL players suspended for violating the league's gambling policy, the NFL announced Friday, according to The Ringer's Lindsay Jones.
Williams was one of four Lions involved. The second-year wideout and teammate Stanley Berryhill were suspended six games each, while receiver Quintez Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore were suspended indefinitely. Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney also received an indefinite ban.
Moore, Cephus, and Toney were banned for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season, according to the NFL. Meanwhile, Williams' and Berryhill's six-game bans reportedly stem from gambling on college sports from the team facility, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Williams' agency confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that his violation was not for betting on football but due to breaking a "technical rule regarding the actual location in which the online bet was placed." The agency added that the bet would have been permissible outside the facility.
The league's gambling policy restricts NFL personnel from gambling in any manner while in a club or league facility.
The Lions released Cephus and Moore after the league announced the disciplinary measures.
"These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules," Lions 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."
The Lions fired multiple staff members from different departments in March for violating the gambling policy, sources told ESPN's Eric Woodyard.
Moore, Cephus, and Toney are eligible to file for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Williams' and Berryhill's suspensions take effect on the final day of roster cutdowns. They are allowed to participate in offseason activities and play in the preseason.
The five suspensions come just over a year after the league banned Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely for betting on NFL games. Ridley, then a member of the Atlanta Falcons, was traded to the Jaguars during his suspension and was reinstated earlier this offseason.