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In a recent development, the NFL has launched an investigation into a fifth player from the 2022 Detroit Lions for a potential violation of the league’s gambling policy, sources tell The Athletic.
The player’s identity has not been disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. It is worth noting that the player in question was not a prominent member of the team last year.
Neither the player’s agent nor representatives from the NFL, NFLPA, or the Detroit Lions have provided any comments at this time.
This new investigation marks the fifth instance of a player from the 2022 Lions team being scrutinized for a potential gambling policy violation during this offseason.
On April, the NFL handed down suspensions to four Lions players for their involvement in gambling activities. Wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL sports while on the Lions’ premises.
Additionally Safety C.J. Moore and wide receiver Quintez Cephus received indefinite suspensions after it was discovered they had placed bets on NFL games, which directly contravenes the league’s gambling policy. Moore and Cephus were subsequently released by the Lions, while Berryhill was let go on May.
Furthermore, the NFL imposed an indefinite suspension on Washington Commanders defensive lineman Shaka Toney for his involvement in betting on NFL games.
The recent report from ESPN suggests that the league is currently investigating a “second wave of potential violations of its gambling policy,” indicating that there might be additional cases under review.
The NFL Players Association sent a memorandum to all NFL agents in April, addressing the recent suspensions related to gambling policy violations. The memo served as a reminder that players should refrain from using mobile gambling apps while at work.
It emphasized that team staff, league personnel, and players are strictly prohibited from placing bets on any sport within league facilities, including stadiums housing sportsbooks, or during team travel.
The NFL maintains a firm stance on gambling violations due to the potential impact they can have on the integrity of the game.
The league’s gambling policy serves to safeguard the fairness and impartiality of NFL contests, ensuring that no individual associated with the league gains an unfair advantage through gambling activities.