Who doesn’t enjoy throwing down a couple of bets from time to time and doing so can really take sporting events to a whole new level of excitement. No matter how fun betting is, it doesn’t mean everyone is allowed to though, which is exactly what 5 NFL players recently found out the hard way.
Suspended Indefinitely
Last Friday, 3 of the players were suspended indefinitely by the NFL for betting on games during last season. The other 2 players “got away with” a 6-game suspension each for betting on non-NFL games at one of the league’s facilities.
No Games Were Compromised
One of the reasons why gambling is illegal for team members is of course that it can potentially compromise games being fair. The NFL confirmed the suspensions but also left a statement to settle any confusion.
“A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”
Majority of Players from Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions was the team who suffered the biggest blow as 4 of the 5 players caught were a part of the organization. Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams are the players in question.
A Defensive End, Shaka Toney, from the Washington Commanders is the other player
Petition for Reinstatement
As far as the suspension goes, Cephus, Moore and Toney will be sidelined for the entire upcoming season and will have to petition for reinstatement prior to next season.
Berryhill and Williams each got slapped with a softer 6-game suspension. The two will be able to take part in training leading up to the season, including pre-season games.
Strict League Policies on Gambling
Like most professional leagues, the NFL has strict rules regarding gambling. The league policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling. It’s not allowed in any club or league facility or venue. This includes practice facilities.
Immediately Released by the Team
Not only were Cephus and Moore suspended from the NFL, immediately following the news the Detroit Lions announced they had released them.
Brad Holmes, the Lions General Manager, left a statement to the media saying:
“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy. These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. 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 continued.
I think we can all agree that Friday was not a good day for these players.
Different Reason for Being Suspended
If you read the above previous section correctly, you know that the Lions only released 2 out of the 4 players. The reason being that Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were only suspended for betting from an NFL facility but not on actual NFL games.
William’s agent explained the situation further.
“ It is important to note that Jameson’s violation was not for betting on football but rather due to a technical rule regarding the actual location in which the online bet was placed — and which would otherwise be allowed by the NFL outside of the club’s facility.
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit. He would never intentionally jeopardize the integrity of the game he loves so much and looks forward to getting back to his team as soon as possible.”
Sports Betting Live in the Arenas
Betting on sports is more popular than ever, especially in the US. This has led to some teams having an actual sportsbook inside their stadiums.
For example the Washington Nationals (MLB), the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) all have one in their respective arenas.
The Arizona Cardinals, also a part of the NFL, has a very popular sportsbook by their stadium where the fans can bet using their phones while watching the games.
You can read more about sports betting and what the popular bets are by clicking here.
Lesson Learned – Play Online
In other words, if Berryhill and Williams had bet at Stake, Cloudbet, FortuneJack or any other of the many great online casinos they would not have been suspended.
What a perfect example, right? Play online and all will be well.
Lesson learned, I hope!
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