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On Friday, Jameson Williams, alongside three other members of the Detroit Lions, received NFL suspensions due to their involvement in violations of the NFL gambling policy.
After being found guilty of betting on NFL games during the 2022 season, Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore have been indefinitely suspended. Following this announcement, the Lions swiftly released both players from their team.
Both Williams and his teammate, Berryhill, will face a suspension for the initial six games of the 2025-24 regular season. Their involvement in unauthorized gambling activities, unrelated to the NFL, occurred within a club or league establishment.
The recent news on Friday dealt a heavy blow to the Detroit Lions, who were steadily emerging as a strong NFC contender according to several Michigan online sportsbooks.
Report: Gambling widespread in Lions organization
In addition to the NFL’s disclosure of four Lions players breaching the league’s gambling policy, ESPN has revealed that the problem extends further within the organization.
Last month, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard revealed that multiple members of the Lions’ staff across different departments were fired for also breaching the league’s gambling policy.
In addition to Cephus and Moore, the league has declared that Shaka Toney, the defensive end for Washington, has also been suspended indefinitely.
Following the announcement, Detroit wasted no time in releasing Cephus and Moore.
“In light of the NFL investigation, we have been made aware that certain players on our team have breached the league’s gambling policy,” announced Detroit general manager Brad Holmes. “These players have shown a lack of judgment that goes against our organizational principles and violates league regulations. Consequently, we have chosen to terminate our association with Quintez and C.J. without delay. We are disheartened by the decision-making exhibited by Stanley and Jameson, and will collaborate with them to ensure they comprehend the gravity of these infractions and gain a clear understanding of the league’s rules for the future.”
Cephus and Moore’s suspensions resemble Calvin Ridley’s from a year ago.
After placing bets in November 2021 during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Ridley faced a suspension for the entire 2022 season. However, he has now been granted reinstatement and is set to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the upcoming season.
Jameson Williams gambling suspension a big blow for Lions
After being selected as the 12th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams encountered a setback in his rookie season. He had to sit out 11 games due to an unfortunate torn ACL injury sustained during his last college football match representing Alabama.
In a span of six games, Williams made appearances and successfully caught a single pass, resulting in a 41-yard touchdown. Additionally, he showcased his abilities by executing a 40-yard rush.
Despite not making a significant impact, Williams showcased his impressive speed, raising hopes that he would be more involved in the Lions’ offense during the upcoming offseason.
Berryhill, an undrafted rookie, made his presence felt in four games solely as a special teams player.
After the final roster cutdown, both individuals will be able to partake in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games, before their suspensions go into effect.
Lions, NFL partnered with Michigan sportsbooks
It is widely known that the NFL has wholeheartedly embraced the flourishing sports betting culture.
The Detroit Lions are just like any other team.
The Lions have partnered with BetMGM Michigan as their official sports betting partner. Additionally, within section 222 of Ford Field, you can find the WynnBet Sports Bar.
In addition, there are signs displayed throughout the stadium promoting Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
The NFL declared in 2021 that it had secured partnerships with seven distinct online sportsbooks. The league granted approval to DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, FOX Bet, PointsBet, and WynnBet as its sportsbook partners.
