(Toronto) An independent arbitrator has upheld the indefinite suspension imposed on Montreal Alouettes defensive player Shawn Lemon for betting on CFL games.
The league said in a statement Thursday that Lemon will remain suspended until the arbitration hearing, which has been moved to the 1er and August 2.
The circuit had initially suspended Lemon indefinitely on April 24 for betting on games, including one in which he participated.
Last May, the veteran contested his suspension, allowing him to resume training – and playing – with the Alouettes.
This season, Lemon has six tackles and a sack in four games with the Alouettes. However, since an arbitrator upheld his indefinite suspension, he will not be able to face the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday night.
The CFL had indicated that after Lemon filed his appeal, an arbitration hearing was scheduled for Friday. However, the league asked that the suspension be implemented immediately after Lemon tried to have the hearing postponed until early August.
The independent arbitrator in this case ruled in favor of the league because he considers that an immediate suspension, until the arbitration hearing, is “justifiable and reasonable.”
The league said an investigation found Lemon bet on games in 2021 while he was a Stampeder. It added there was no evidence that the results were affected by his bets.
“The CFL is disappointed that the Players’ Association is challenging a decision that preserves the integrity of the league,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement at the time.
“The league’s rules prohibiting CFL-related gambling in 2021 were clear to all players at the time, but Mr. Lemon willfully ignored them,” it said.
“The ban on CFL betting by CFL personnel, including players, is essential to preserving the league’s reputation. The CFL will vigorously defend its position at the arbitration hearing and will make no further comment until a decision is rendered,” the Ambrosie circuit summarized.
The Alouettes also released a statement on the subject.
“The Canadian Football League Players’ Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Shawn Lemon, contesting the Canadian Football League’s decision to suspend him indefinitely. As a result, Shawn rejoined the Alouettes’ camp today. The team continues to reiterate its support for the CFL’s gambling regulations, and will await the outcome of the CFL’s case. The Alouettes will not be making any further comments at this time regarding this situation.”
By appealing his case, Lemon became eligible to return to practice and play until an arbitrator ruled on the appeal.
Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, announced his retirement two weeks before the league announced the suspension. He had previously signed a one-year contract extension with the Alouettes.
Lemon, 35, from Charleston, S.C., helped the Alouettes beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in last season’s Grey Cup. The club went 12-4, including the playoffs, after hiring Lemon, who had 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 regular-season games. He also reached the CFL’s 100-sack plateau last season.