Massive Gambling Scandal Hits NFL And Lands Detroit Lions Star Wide Receiver With Lengthy Suspension

Just when things were looking up for the Detroit Lions, the world decided to hit them with a big dose of reality.

The Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFL for the better part of their of existence as a franchise.

But the 2022 season offered a ray of hope. Second-year head coach Dan Campbell led Detroit to a 9-8 record and their impressive crop of young players promised even more success in the years to come.

Or not.

NFL Suspends Five Players Involved In Gambling Scandal

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport rocked the NFL world on Friday when he reported that the league has suspended five players, four of which play for the Lions, for violations of the league gambling policy.

Lions tight end Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore were both suspended indefinitely with a minimum of at least a year. As was Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.

The Lions summarily released both Moore and Cephus.

But it only got worse from there. A pair of Lions players were also suspended six games for their involvement. One of those players was wideout Stanley Berryhill. The other, meanwhile, was fellow wideout and 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams.

Williams appeared in just six games in 2022 after returning from a torn ACL suffered in the College Football Playoff championship game with Alabama. He made just one catch for 41 yards. But coaches and fans believed he’d make a much bigger impact in year two.

The NFL immediately sent out a press release about the suspensions.

“The NFL confirmed today that three players have been indefinitely suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. Two other players were each suspended six games. Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions are suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season. These players are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the roster reduction to 53 players.

The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility. A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way,” – NFL press release on gambling suspensions

While Williams was the only player suspended who the Lions expected to be a key contributor, it’s still a tough hit. Especially for a team that had worked hard to rebuild its culture under Campbell.

The team may well opt to address its newfound holes in the NFL Draft, which is now less than a week away.