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Canadian Football League Reinstates Shawn Lemon After Gambling Suspension

The Canadian Football League has reinstated defensive lineman Shawn Lemon, who was suspended indefinitely in April 2024 for placing bets on CFL games.

Place a wager on CFL games

Lemon accepted whole accountability for his deeds.  At the time of his league suspension, Lemon was a member of the Montreal Alouettes.  He can now sign as a free agent with any CFL team after being restored, but with restrictions.

"Protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance and we will not tolerate players violating the CFL’s Match Manipulation Policy. Mr. Lemon’s suspension, which was the longest in league history, was necessary and appropriate,” said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston. 

“He has taken full responsibility for his actions. [Lemon] understands how wagering negatively impacts sports and has re-educated himself on league policy. He is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake.”

Lemon is probably going to sign with Montreal again

When Lemon, 36, was a member of the Calgary Stampeders in 2021, he wagered on CFL games, including one in which he participated.

Following an appeal, the suspension was upheld by an impartial arbiter.

According to a statement from the league, Lemon will be banned for life for any further infractions of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy.

Lemon's return to play is contingent upon him finishing all required league education, including the CFL Match Manipulation Policy, and continuing to attend the counseling sessions he has been attending.

Lifetime Prohibition in the Event of Another Violation

The Canadian Press reports that Lemon was spotted sporting an Alouettes hat when he left Montreal's Olympic Stadium today.

After Lemon signs with a team, he won't be able to play immediately.  He still faces a two-game suspension for breaking the joint drug policy of the CFL and the CFL Players' Association.

Lemon has played a significant role; in 2023, he became just the 13th player in league history to receive his 100th CFL sack.  He was a member of the Toronto Argos (2017) and the Stampeders (2014) when he won a Grey Cup.

Prominent Player

“We just won’t comment on him right now. He’s not a part of our team just yet,” said Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said to Canadian Press. “But I think everybody that knows us and how we feel about Shawn, it hasn’t changed.

"He’s a great player, a great guy … tremendous in our locker room … he’s been nothing short of amazing when he’s been in our building and I think everybody would say that to a man.”