CFL’s indefinite suspension of Alouettes defensive end Lemon upheld by arbitrator
“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.
An independent arbitrator has upheld the CFL's indefinite suspension of Montreal Alouette Shawn Lemon for sports betting.
The CFL announced the decision on Wednesday morning, without specifying how much longer the suspension would last. The arbitrator's ruling is final and binding.
"We respect the arbitrator's decision and the important precedent that has been set," said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a statement. "The integrity of any sport is paramount. Players, fans, and everyone associated with our game must trust in the league's fairness of competition. Today's decision upholds that standard and reinforces the CFL's stance against match manipulation."
The Montreal Alouettes also expressed their support for the ruling in a statement. "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," the statement read. "Since joining the Alouettes on July 24, 2023, Shawn Lemon has been a key part of our locker room and community. We thank him for his contributions over the past 13 months."
Lemon was originally suspended indefinitely by the CFL on April 24 for allegedly betting on games, including one he played in while with the Calgary Stampeders in 2021. The suspension came two weeks after Lemon retired following 13 CFL seasons, having helped Montreal win the 2023 Grey Cup with a 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Lemon had signed a one-year contract with Montreal in December 2023. The CFL stated at the time that there was no evidence suggesting games were affected by Lemon's betting and that Stampeders coaches, teammates, and team personnel were unaware of his actions.
In May, the 36-year-old defensive lineman appealed the suspension, allowing him to participate in Montreal's training camp and start the season with the team. Lemon helped Montreal to a 4-0 start before another arbitrator reinstated the CFL's indefinite suspension on July 4.
Lemon's appeal was heard on August 2 and August 5.
