(Toronto) An independent arbitrator has upheld the indefinite suspension imposed on Montreal Alouettes defensive end Shawn Lemon for betting on CFL games, including one in which he participated.
The Canadian Football League announced the decision Wednesday morning, without specifying the length of the sanction imposed on the American player.
“We respect the arbitrator’s decision and the important precedent that has been set,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “The integrity of any sport is paramount. Players, fans and everyone associated with our game must be able to trust that competition is fair in the league.” “Today’s decision upholds that standard and underscores the CFL’s stance against game manipulation,” he added.
Last month, an independent arbitrator upheld the indefinite suspension imposed on Montreal Alouettes defensive player Shawn Lemon for betting on CFL games.
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 quarterback sack in four games with the Alouettes.
The CFL had indicated that after Lemon filed his appeal, an arbitration hearing would take place. 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.
Lemon’s appeal hearing was ultimately held on August 2 and 5.
By appealing his case, Lemon became eligible to return to practice and play until an arbitrator ruled on the appeal.
The decision of the independent arbitrator is binding.
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, South Carolina, 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.