Suspended CFL player Shawn Lemon is appealing his lifetime ban from the league.

Lemon was suspended after an investigation found he had bet on games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders. “Irrefutable evidence” concluded he wagered on one game that he played in.

However, the league said there was no evidence to suggest that games were impacted by his wagering.

Now, the three-time former Grey Cup champion is appealing his ban.

He is eligible to resume practicing and could return to playing until an arbitrator makes a decision, and is back training with the Montreal Alouettes this week.

Lemon had surprisingly announced his retirement from Canadian football in April despite recently signing a one-year contract extension with the Alouettes. Two weeks after that announcement, the CFL announced the ban.

The 35-year-old gave no comment to reporters when he was asked about his return to the practice field, adding that “we’ll let the due process work itself out.”

CFL players are banned from betting on the sport.

CFL Players’ Association backs appeal

Alouettes GM Danny Maciocia said that Lemon signed his papers and decided to return to the game, initiating his appeal in the process. Macioca added that the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) supports the appeal.

The Alouettes stated that the CFLPA has filed a grievance on behalf of Lemon to challenge the CFL decision to suspend him indefinitely.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement that the league is “disappointed that the Players’ Association would challenge a decision so fundamental to the integrity of our league.

“The league’s rules prohibiting CFL-related gambling in 2021 were made abundantly clear to all players at the time, yet Mr. Lemon knowingly ignored those rules. The prohibition of wagering on the CFL by CFL personnel, including players, is critical to the reputation and standing of the league. The CFL will vigorously defend its position at the arbitration hearing.”

The CFL is no stranger to the gambling industry. Last July, FanDuel secured a deal to become the CFL’s first authorized gaming operator and official sportsbook partner. The league also has partnerships with the likes of NEO.bet and 888.