Jameson Williams was one of four Detroit Lions suspended by the NFL on Friday in connection with violations of the NFL gambling policy.
Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season. They were cut by the Lions moments after the announcement.
Williams and fellow second-year receiver Stanley Berryhill will be suspended for the first six games of the 2023-24 regular season. They engaged in non-NFL gambling from a club or league facility.
Friday’s news is a blow to the Detroit Lions, which were gaining steam as a top NFC contender at most Michigan online sportsbooks.
Report: Gambling widespread in Lions organization
Along with the NFL’s announcement that four Lions players violated the league’s gambling policy, ESPN is reporting the issue was even more widespread for the organization.
Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports that several Lions staff members in various departments were dismissed last month for violating the league’s gambling policy as well.
The league announced that Washington defensive end Shaka Toney was also suspended indefinitely alongside Cephus and Moore.
Detroit immediately released Cephus and Moore following the announcement.
“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,” Detroit general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. “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.”
The suspensions of Cephus and Moore are similar to that of Calvin Ridley a year ago.
Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season over bets he made in November of 2021 while with the Atlanta Falcons. Ridley was recently reinstated for this upcoming season and he will play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jameson Williams gambling suspension a big blow for Lions
Williams, the 12th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, already missed 11 games during his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his final college football game with Alabama.
Williams appeared in six games and caught just one pass for a 41-yard touchdown. He also had a 40-yard rush.
While Williams didn’t make much impact, his speed was evident and hopes were to see him worked more into the Lions’ offense this offseason.
Berryhill was an undrafted rookie that appeared in four games as a special teams player.
Both are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect after the final roster cutdown.
Lions, NFL partnered with Michigan sportsbooks
It’s no secret that the NFL has fully embraced the growing sports betting culture.
The Detroit Lions are no different.
BetMGM Michigan is an official sports betting partner of the Lions. Ford Field is also home to the WynnBet Sports Bar in section 222.
You can also see signage around the stadium for Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
In 2021, the NFL announced it reached agreements with seven different online sportsbooks. DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, FOX Bet, PointsBet and WynnBet were all approved as sportsbook partners with the league.
