Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, & Others Found Guilty In Sports Betting Investigation, Each Facing Varying Suspensions

Five NFL players are facing suspensions following violation of the league’s gambling policy, the NFL announced via statement on Friday.

Cephus, Moore, Toney All Out For 2023 Season

Detroit Lions players Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore as well as Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders are suspended for at least the entirety of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games during the 2022 regular season. Per the league’s review of the incident(s), there is no evidence that suggests that any games were compromised because of each individuals’ involvement.

Cephus and Moore were released from the Lions following the suspension, according to a team press release.

“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,” Lions General Manager Brad Holmes said. “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.”

This season-long suspension mimics that of Calvin Ridley last year, who was found guilty of placing bets on his team. He was recently reinstated by the NFL in March, and is preparing to take the field in Week 1 of the 2023 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Sources: NFL suspended 5 players, including #Lions WR Jameson Williams, for violations of NFL gambling policy. #Lions’ CJ Moore & Quintez Cephus, plus #Commanders' Shaka Toney, are suspended indefinitely (at least 1 year). Williams & DET’s Stanley Berryhill are suspended 6 games. pic.twitter.com/Jnmzn8iKzj

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2023

Jameson Williams Among The Suspended

Two other Lions players – Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams – are also facing suspension, and are ineligible to play for the first six games of the 2023 regular season. Both Williams and Berryhill placed bets on non-NFL games from an NFL team facility.

Per the press release, the NFL “prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.”

Following the league’s announcement, Alliance Sports — which represents Williams — gave a statement, per Adam Schefter:

“Alliance Sports confirms that its client, Jameson Williams, has been suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. 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 of 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.”

Williams will now play his second straight shortened season, as he was limited to six games in his rookie season last year, coming off an ACL tear. He and Berryhill will be able to participate in offseason activities and preseason games, but won’t play meaningful football until Week 7 of the 2023 regular season.