Canadian Football League Reinstates Shawn Lemon After Gambling Suspension

Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has been reinstated by the Canadian Football League following his indefinite suspension in April 2024 for betting on CFL matches. 

Wager on CFL Matches 

Lemon accepted complete accountability for his behavior. Lemon played for the Montreal Alouettes when he received a suspension from the league. He has now been reinstated, albeit with conditions, and is allowed to sign as a free agent with any CFL team.

"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 Expected To Re-Sign With Montreal 

Lemon, 36, placed bets on CFL games in 2021 while being part of the Calgary Stampeders, including one match in which he participated. 

A neutral arbitrator affirmed the suspension following an appeal. 

The league stated that any further breaches of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy will lead to a lifetime suspension for Lemon. 

As a condition of his return to play, Lemon is required to finish all compulsory league education, which includes the CFL Match Manipulation Policy, and he must keep attending the counselling sessions he has been participating in. 

Permanent Suspension for Any Further Violation 

As reported by Canadian Press, Lemon was spotted today leaving Montreal’s Olympic Stadium while sporting an Alouettes’ cap. 

Lemon will not be able to play immediately after he joins a team. He is still required to complete a two-game suspension for breaching the joint drug policy of the CFL and the CFL Players’ Association. 

Lemon has been a significant contributor – he became the 13th player in league history last season to achieve his 100th CFL sack in 2023. He claimed a Grey Cup while playing for the Stampeders (2014) and the Toronto Argos (2017). 

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.”