Shawn Lemon acknowledges gambling error, Canadian Football League grants second chance
The Canadian Football League (CFL) has reinstated veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon following an indefinite suspension for gambling on CFL games and violating the CFL drug policy in 2021. The reinstatement comes with specific conditions to ensure Lemon's adherence to the league's policies moving forward.
Lemon's initial suspension was imposed on April 24, 2024, after it was discovered that he had placed a single $100 bet on two CFL games in 2021, including one he played in. The league's investigation, which was aided by the International Olympic Committee, uncovered the violation in February 2024.
The suspension was not enforced immediately due to a grievance filed by the CFL Players' Association. However, Lemon's lawyer took over his case, and the suspension kicked in by early July. During the review of his case, Lemon admitted to the violation and agreed to strict conditions for his reinstatement.
These conditions include a lifetime ban for any future violations of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy. Lemon must also complete all mandatory league education, including the CFL Match Manipulation Policy, and continue participating in counseling sessions.
In addition to the gambling violation, Lemon tested positive for the banned substance Phentermine, which led to a separate two-game suspension for a violation of the CFL and CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy. If Lemon signs with a team, he will serve this suspension before returning to action.
Lemon is now eligible to sign with any CFL team, but his reinstatement does not automatically allow him to play. He must fulfill the conditions outlined above before returning to the field. There is interest in Lemon potentially signing with the Montreal Alouettes, as he was seen exiting Montreal's Olympic Stadium wearing Alouettes gear.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston stated that Lemon has accepted responsibility and wants to help other players avoid similar mistakes. The arbitrator upheld the suspension but clarified that Lemon made just one parlay bet, which included a game he played in. Lemon's lawyer argued that the league had not properly informed players about anti-gambling policies during the COVID-affected 2021 season.
The league made it clear that any future violations would result in a lifetime ban, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. Lemon's reinstatement serves as a reminder for all players to abide by the league's policies and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the CFL.
[1] CFL Commissioner's Statement on Shawn Lemon's Reinstatement -
- Despite his past mistakes in sports-betting and violating the CFL's drug policy, Shawn Lemon has been given another chance to play in the CFL, with specific conditions enforced to ensure his adherence to the league's policies moving forward.
- Shawn Lemon, who was suspended for gambling on CFL games, has now been allowed to participate in sports again, but under the condition that he abides by the league's strict policies against sports-betting and any future violations will result in a lifetime ban.
