The Canadian Football League (CFL) is suspending a player for violating the league’s gambling policy.

The CFL has handed former Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Shawn Lemon an indefinite suspension for wagering on league events. An investigation conducted by the CFL found that the University of Akron product wagered on CFL games, including a game he played in during the 2021 season. That year, Lemon played for the Calgary Stampeders.

The CFL’s probe found no impact of Lemon’s wagering on game outcomes.

“The integrity of our game is of the utmost importance,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Any other factors, career performance, actions in the community, timing, frequency or size of wagers, hold no weight when the legitimacy of the CFL can be called into question.”

Lemon’s suspension comes after he announced his retirement from football earlier this month. The 35-year-old finished his CFL career with 176 defensive tackles, 18 forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 73 sacks in 104 games played. Lemon also spent time in the CFL as an active member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts.

“It is our responsibility as a league to investigate and address such abnormalities, and it is our collective duty, along with our teams and players, to ensure that sports wagering in no way impacts the quality nor standing of the CFL,” added Ambrosie. “We will continue to work with our authorized gaming operators, partners, and stakeholders to hold our game to the highest standard.”

CFL solidifies footprint in gambling

The CFL is no stranger to the gambling industry having secured deals with several operators.

Last July, FanDuel secured a deal to become the CFL’s first authorized gaming operator and official sportsbook partner. A month later, the league agreed to a deal with NEO.bet to make the online sportsbook an official partner and authorized gaming operator.

The CFL also landed a partnership deal with 888, which includes stadium advertisements.