An independent arbitrator has upheld the indefinite suspension imposed on Montreal Alouettes defensive end Shawn Lemon for betting on CFL games, including one he played in.
The Canadian Football League announced the decision Wednesday morning, without specifying the length of the sanction imposed on the American player.
“We respect the arbitrator’s decision and the important precedent that has been established,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “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.”
The Alouettes’ response was swift.
“The Alouettes organization has always supported the league’s rules on gambling and will continue to do so. The integrity of the league is of the utmost importance to us, and we respect the independent arbitrator’s final verdict,” the team said in its own statement.
“Since joining the Alouettes on July 24, 2023, Shawn Lemon has been an important part of our locker room and our community. We’d like to thank him for all the contributions he has made to our team over the last 13 months.”
The league had initially suspended Lemon indefinitely on April 24, two weeks after he announced a surprise retirement despite having just signed a one-year contract extension. He later changed his mind, challenging his suspension, which allowed him to return to practice — and play — with the Alouettes.
This season, Lemon has six tackles and a sack in four games with the Alouettes.
The CFL said an arbitration hearing would take place, but asked that the suspension be implemented immediately, after Lemon tried to have the hearing postponed until early August.
The independent arbitrator in this case ruled in favour of the league because he considers that an immediate suspension, until the arbitration hearing, is “justifiable and reasonable.”
The league said an investigation showed that Lemon had bet on games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders, but there was no evidence that the results were affected by his bets.
Lemon’s appeal hearing was ultimately held on Aug. 2 and 5.
The independent arbitrator’s decision is binding.
The 35-year-old from Charleston, S.C., helped the Alouettes beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in last season’s Grey Cup.
The club went 12-4, including the playoffs, after hiring Lemon, who had 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 regular-season games. He also reached the 100-sack plateau in the CFL last season.