An independent arbitrator has upheld CFL star Shawn Lemon’s indefinite suspension for gambling violations.

The league banned Lemon on April 24 for betting on CFL games in 2021 while he was a member of the Calgary Stampeders, including one he played in.

A court heard Lemon’s appeal against the suspension early this month but an independent arbitrator has now upheld his ban. As a consequence, he cannot play or train with his current team, the Montreal Alouettes, or any other CFL team until further notice.

A CFL investigation found that Lemon’s wagering had no impact on game outcomes, but Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has made it clear that the transgressions are serious enough to warrant severe action.

“We respect the arbitrator’s decision and the important precedent that has been established,” said Ambrosie on Wednesday. “The integrity of any sport is paramount. Players, fans and anyone associated with our game must be able to believe in the league’s fairness of competition. Today’s decision upholds that standard and underscores the CFL’s position against match manipulation.”

Decision ends lengthy back-and-forth process

The CFL first banned Lemon in April in light of allegations that he placed a parlay wager worth around $100 on multiple games, including one he played in while a Stampeder. That ban came just days after Lemon surprisingly announced his retirement out of the blue in April despite having recently signed a one-year extension with the Alouettes.

The three-time Grey Cup champion first appealed the suspension in May and per league rules was allowed to return to both training and playing while the appeal was being heard.

However, the CFL said in a statement in early July that it had reinstated his ban effective immediately until after a postponed hearing, noting that the arbitrator had ruled that suspension to be “justified and reasonable.” That hearing was originally scheduled for July 5 before Lemon’s appeal and was pushed back to Aug. 2.

Now, after Lemon’s appeal was heard, the issue finally appears to be resolved for good. The arbitrator’s decision to uphold the indefinite suspension is “binding,” said the league.

CFL players are banned from gambling on league games, betting by proxy, or providing insider information that could be used to wager on games or props. Unlike the NFL, CFL players are allowed to bet on other sports. However, at the time of Lemon’s alleged betting offences, the CFL did not have a mandatory education course for players around gambling. The league recently underwent an extensive internal review of its gambling rules, updating language and protocols.