The NFL has recently reinstated five players who were suspended for the entire 2023 season for violating the league’s gambling policy. These players include Washington Commanders’ defensive end Shaka Toney and free agents Rashod Berry, Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, and Demetrius Taylor, according to CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones.
Toney is now allowed to participate in any Commanders’ offseason activities, while the other four reinstated players are free to sign with teams, as confirmed by Jones. Cephus, Toney, and Moore received their suspensions last April, with the Lions promptly releasing Cephus and Moore soon after. Berry and Taylor, along with former Colts teammate Isaiah Rodgers, were issued suspensions in June for betting on NFL games in 2022, leading to their release by Indianapolis.
The league prohibits any employee from gambling in a team or league facility or venue. With this development, the players can now resume their football careers and make a fresh start following their suspension. The reinstatement of these players serves as a valuable lesson for all players regarding the consequences of violating league policies and underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the game.
Two other Lions players, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill III, were handed six-game suspensions for gambling in violation of the NFL’s policy earlier this year.
This news highlights the NFL’s commitment to ensuring fair play among all athletes by upholding its gambling policy. It also serves as a reminder that breaking rules can have serious consequences for those involved.