Detroit Lions Cut 2 Players, 2 Others Suspended For Betting Violations

DETROIT — The NFL suspended four Detroit Lions players, including second-year wide receiver Jameson Williams, for violating the league's gambling policy, the team announced Friday.

Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore were suspended indefinitely and released by the team, the organization said.

Williams and wide receiver Stanley Berryhill were suspended for the first six games of the 2023 regular season. Both Berryhill and Williams can participate in off-season and pre-season activities leading up to their suspension, which will begin on the final roster cut down date, the team said.

"As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy," Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. "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. 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."

NFL players and personnel are not allowed to bet on any games or any league-related activities. They're also not allowed to place bets place while at a team facility or on any team-related travel, according to league policy.

The news is particularly devastating to Williams, whom the Lions moved up 20 spots to pick at No. 12 in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed most of last season while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in the 2021 College Football Playoff championship game.

Williams played in just six games, but showed flashes of his playmaking ability, including scoring a 41-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The brief glimpses created a lot of excitement within the Lions organization and their fans.

The suspensions could also dramatically affect the Lions plans for Thursday's NFL Draft. There were rumblings the team may be looking to trade up to No. 3, in the first round possibly to pick Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson. But the team may be pressed to hang onto those additional picks that would have been used as trade bait to add wide receiver depth.