THE EXIT: NFL suspends a Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback for violating the organization’s gambling ban.
Steelers supporters in Pittsburgh breathed a great sigh of relief after learning that none of their team’s players had been punished by the NFL for gambling. The league announced the suspension of five players for breaking the league’s gambling policy. Three players were suspended for the full 2023 season, at the very least.
Players that gambled on games last season include receiver Quintez Cephus, safety CJ Moore of the Detroit Lions, and defensive end Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders. They have until the conclusion of the 2023 season to file a request for reinstatement.
Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams, both Lions, were suspended for six games for “other gambling violations.” The team describes them as wagering on other sporting events from an NFL facility. The details of the gaming occurrences were not revealed, nor was the public informed of how the infractions were detected. However, the league stated that no games were ever jeopardized.
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 accepts full responsibility for his actions and is deeply sorry to the NFL, his teammates, the fans, and the city of Detroit.” It is crucial to note, however, that Jameson’s infraction was due to a technical restriction about the actual location in which the online bet was placed – which would otherwise be permitted by the NFL outside the club’s facilities. Jameson would never knowingly damage the integrity of the game he adores, and he eagerly awaits his return to his team.”
The Lions did release Cephus, who had been on injured reserve, as well as Moore, who was an undrafted free agent in 2019. The Lions’ general manager, Brad Holmes, stated that the team supports the league’s decision.
“These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules.”