Canadian Football League Reinstates Shawn Lemon After Gambling Suspension
Posted on: July 16, 2025, 03:13h.
Last updated on: July 16, 2025, 03:13h.
- Lemon suspended for betting on CFL games in 2021
- Bet on one game in which he was a player
- Defensive lineman now free to sign with any CFL team; Montreal Alouettes front runners
Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has been reinstated by the Canadian Football League after being indefinitely suspended in April 2024 for wagering on CFL games.
Bet on CFL Games
Lemon took full responsibility for his actions. Lemon was a member of the Montreal Alouettes when he was suspended by the league. He has now been reinstated but with conditions and can sign with any CFL team as a free agent.
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 Likely To Re-Sign With Montreal
Lemon, 36, wagered on CFL games in 2021 when he was a member of the Calgary Stampeder, including one game in which he played.
An independent arbitrator upheld the suspension after an appeal.
Any future violations of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy will result in a lifetime ban for Lemon, the league said in a statement.
As part of the agreement to return to play, Lemon must complete all mandatory league education, including the CFL Match Manipulation Policy, and he must continue to participate in counselling sessions that he has been attending.
Lifetime Ban if There’s Another Infraction
According to Canadian Press, Lemon was seen today exiting Montreal’s Olympic Stadium wearing an Alouettes’ hat.
Lemon won’t be able to play right away, after he signs with a team. He still has to serve a two-game suspension for violating the CFL and CFL Players’ Association’s joint drug policy.
Lemon has been a prominent player – he became just the 13th player in league history last season to earn his 100th CFL sack, in 2023. He won a Grey Cup as a member of 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.”
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