Pittsburgh Steelers fans breathed a huge sigh of relief that none of the Steel City players were among those suspended for gambling by the NFL. The news was released that the league suspended five players for violating the league's gambling policy. This included three players who were banned for the entire 2023 season, at a minimum.
Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions WR Quintez Cephus has been suspended for violating the NFL's gambling policy.
The players indefinitely suspended include receiver Quintez Cephus, safety CJ Moore of the Detroit Lions and defensive end Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders who bet on games last season. They may appeal for reinstatement at the end of the 2023 season.
Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams, also from the Lions, were each given six-game suspensions for "other gambling violations." The team defines these as betting from an NFL facility on other sporting events. Specifics about the gambling incidents were not disclosed, nor was the public told how the violations were discovered. However, the league did say that at no time were any games compromised.
Not all of the players or their agents have spoken to the press about the decisions. Williams' agent did send a message to the press expressing remorse for his part in what happened.
"Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit. However, 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 the club's facility. Jameson 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."
The Lions did cut Cephus, who had been on injured reserve and Moore who was an undrafted free-agent acquisition in 2019. The Lions GM Brad Holmes said they support the league's decision.
"These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules."
Former Steelers Player Speaks Out About The Suspensions
On his podcast, The Ramon Foster Show which airs on DK Pittsburgh Sports, former Steelers guard Ramon Foster and his co-host Dejan Kovacevic spoke about the suspensions. Foster feels that players have to make better choices and ensure they are following the rules.
"I'll say this, it was probably one player that started it that led to others. That's how you get that many guys doing it. Somebody had false information. To my understanding you're not allowed to gamble, I don't think at all, definitely not on NFL games."
Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel / USA Today Sports
Detroit Lions wide receiver, Jameson Williams during warmups prior to a 2022 regular season game.
The suspensions are the first in many years and come following the NFL changing its position on sports betting. First, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas and then the Supreme Court eliminated a law that prohibited sports gambling in nearly every state. The NFL and other pro sports leagues have begun to partner with online gambling companies. You can't look anywhere NFL related and not see an advertisement for sports betting. Foster recognizes that this sends a mixed message to players.
"Yes, we are in bed with all the gambling sites and stuff like that when it comes down to the NFL. Also, state to state when it breaks down too, there are rules that regulate you from doing those types of things."
Foster and Kovacevic both agree that this mixed message might lead to confusion among players. However, just like with any job, the onus is on the employee to ensure that they are following all of the rules, especially when it is something like this that might fall into a grey area.
"It's justified, but the lack of not knowing does not mean you're innocent. That's what happening right now. Some of these guys got indefinite suspensions for a year. That is bad. You have to know what you're getting yourself into. Is it contradictory? Yes. But again, know the rules, ask somebody, 'Hey can we gamble on sports inside of the state?' From my understanding, Jameson Williams said he didn't bet on the Lions. The question I have is did the other guys that got suspended indefinitely bet on the Lions?"
Credit: The Ramon Foster Show on DK Sports
This situation will likely lead to further discussions as other players come out and speak about the league's rule on betting. For now, we do not have the benefit of being able to hear all the players' sides of the story so all we can do is speculate.
What do you think about the suspensions? Do you agree with Foster that the players have to take on the burden of ensuring they are following the rules? Do you think the NFL sends a mixed message to players regarding the rules against gambling? Tell us what's on your mind! Comment below.
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