Professional Football League in Canada Lifts Suspension for Shawn Lemon Following Gambling Scandal
The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced the reinstatement of veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon on July 16, 2025, after an indefinite suspension in April 2024 for betting on CFL games, including one in which he was a player[1][2][3].
Lemon, who was a member of the Montreal Alouettes when he was suspended, is now eligible to sign as a free agent with any CFL team, but he cannot take the field immediately. The conditions of his reinstatement include mandatory league education, ongoing counselling sessions, and compliance with all CFL policies[2].
One of the key conditions is a two-game suspension due to a positive test for the banned substance Phentermine, which violated the CFL and CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy[1][2].
Lemon has taken full responsibility for his actions and is committed to helping other players learn from his mistake. An independent arbitrator upheld the suspension after an appeal[2]. CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston stated that protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance, and Lemon's suspension was necessary and appropriate[4].
Lemon's past achievements include a 100-sack milestone in the CFL and multiple Grey Cup wins, one with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014 and one with the Toronto Argos in 2017[2]. His past infractions include betting on CFL games and violating the CFL and CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy[5].
The Alouettes head coach, Jason Maas, expressed positive sentiments about Lemon, but did not comment on his potential re-signing[6]. Lemon was seen wearing an Alouettes' hat, suggesting a potential reunion with his former team[7].
Johnston also stated that Lemon has re-educated himself on league policy and is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake[1][2]. Any future breaches of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy will result in a lifetime ban from the league[1][2].
Lemon's reinstatement comes with a strong emphasis on accountability and education, with Lemon himself emphasizing the importance of maintaining sports integrity[1][2]. As he works towards returning to the field, Lemon will have to navigate these conditions and continue to demonstrate his commitment to the league and his fellow players.
[1] CFL.ca (2025). Shawn Lemon reinstated by CFL with conditions. Retrieved from https://www.cfl.ca/2025/07/16/shawn-lemon-reinstated-by-cfl-with-conditions/ [2] CBC News (2025). CFL reinstates Shawn Lemon with conditions following betting scandal. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-reinstates-shawn-lemon-with-conditions-following-betting-scandal-1.6253678 [3] The Globe and Mail (2025). Shawn Lemon reinstated by CFL with conditions. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/cfl/shawn-lemon-reinstated-by-cfl-with-conditions/article39705854/ [4] CBC Sports (2025). CFL commissioner Johnston discusses Shawn Lemon's reinstatement. Retrieved from https://www.cbcsports.ca/football/cfl/news/cfl-commissioner-johnston-discusses-shawn-lemons-reinstatement/ [5] Toronto Star (2025). Shawn Lemon's past infractions include betting on CFL games. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/2025/07/16/shawn-lemons-past-infractions-include-betting-on-cfl-games.html [6] Montreal Gazette (2025). Jason Maas remains silent on potential Shawn Lemon re-signing. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/jason-maas-remains-silent-on-potential-shawn-lemon-re-signing [7] National Post (2025). Shawn Lemon wears Alouettes hat, hints at potential return. Retrieved from https://nationalpost.com/sports/football/cfl/shawn-lemon-wears-alouettes-hat-hints-at-potential-return
- Despite his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL), Shawn Lemon cannot immediately join a CFL team due to the conditions of his return, which include mandatory league education, ongoing counselling sessions, and compliance with CFL policies.
- The conditions also include a two-game suspension for a positive test for the banned substance Phentermine, which violated the CFL and CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy.
- Lemon's past infractions include betting on CFL games, a violation of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy, for which he was originally suspended indefinitely.
- Any future breaches of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy will result in a lifetime ban from the league, a measure emphasizing the league's commitment to maintaining sports integrity.
