We didn’t see that one coming. Veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon joined the Montreal Alouettes’ camp on Tuesday in Saint-Jérôme, even though he is under an indefinite suspension for betting on CFL games. .
Lemon and the Players’ Association have decided to appeal this suspension and he has been in contact with the Alouettes in recent days. General manager Danny Maciocia learned late Monday night that Lemon would be joining the group.
The no 0 of the Alouettes arrived in the Laurentians a few minutes before the first of the club’s two training sessions on the synthetic surfaces of the Multisports Park.
“It’s been a few days since Shawn told us he planned to appeal,” Maciocia said after his flock’s day of work. The Players Association supports his approach, so that’s where we are. »
The circuit suspended Lemon indefinitely on April 24 for betting on games, including one in which he participated, two weeks to the day after he surprised the CFL world by announcing his retirement. In December, he signed a new agreement with the Alouettes.
The league said an investigation showed Lemon bet on games in 2021 when he wore the Calgary Stampeders colors. She added that there was, however, no evidence that the results were affected by her bets.
“The CFL is disappointed that the Players’ Association is challenging a decision that preserves the integrity of the league,” commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. League regulations prohibiting CFL-related gambling in 2021 were clear to all players at the time, but Mr. Lemon knowingly ignored them. »
“Prohibiting CFL betting by CFL personnel, including players, is essential to preserving the reputation of the league. The CFL will vigorously defend its position at the arbitration hearing and will make no further comment until a decision is rendered. »
“I can’t speak for the league,” Maciocia said. We are not disappointed that he is here. The appeal process ensures that he can be here. We’ll see how this call goes. »
“It’s a bonus for our team,” admitted head coach Jason Maas. He was one of the key elements of our club last year. Every time he’s on the field, he makes his presence felt. We are very happy to have him among us. »
“I was surprised when Danny told me the news [de son retour], Maas continued. From what I understand, this is a suspension appealed. We’ll see where this takes us. »
Maciocia does not know how long this appeal process will take, nor what type of sanction Lemon could receive.
“I can’t answer that,” Maciocia said. We will comply with the league’s decision when the case is heard. The league and Players Association will set a hearing date. »
Player representative for the Alouettes, Kristian Matte did not want to comment on the matter. No more than Lemon, who was obviously very happy to be back on the field.
“I will have no comment on the appeal process. I will let the process take its course, Lemon initially indicated. I’m just excited to be back here with my teammates. »
“No comment,” he added in French when colleagues tried to find out a little more.
The 35-year-old from Charleston, South Carolina, helped the Alouettes beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in last season’s Gray Cup game. The club went 12-4, including the playoffs, after hiring Lemon, who had 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and forced a fumble in 13 regular-season games. He also reached the 100 sack mark in the CFL last season.
The Alouettes must make their first cuts before midnight Tuesday evening. CFL teams must reduce their number of players to a maximum of 75 for the next portion of camp.
Those who will still be in Saint-Jérôme on Wednesday will benefit from a first day without training. On-field activities will resume on Thursday and the club will play an intra-squad match on Saturday.
The camp continues at the Claude-Beaulieu Sports Complex until 1er June. The club’s first preseason game will take place on Saturday, May 25, when the Toronto Argonauts visit the Alouettes at Percival-Molson Stadium.