2024 – Alouettes | Shawn Lemon suspension confirmed

(Toronto) An independent arbitrator has upheld the indefinite suspension of Montreal Alouettes defender Shawn Lemon for betting on CFL games.

The league said in a statement on Thursday that Lemon would remain suspended pending the arbitration hearing, which is scheduled for 1^uh and 2 August.

The circuit initially suspended Lemon indefinitely on April 24 for betting on games, including one in which he participated.

Last May, the veteran appealed his suspension and was allowed to resume training – and playing – with the Alouettes.

This season, Lemon has recorded six tackles and a sack in four games with the Alouettes, but because a referee upheld his indefinite suspension, he will not be able to play Saturday night against the Calgary Stampeders.

The CFL had indicated that a mediation hearing would be scheduled for Friday following Lemon’s appeal, but the league demanded that the suspension be implemented immediately after Lemon attempted to postpone the hearing until early August.

The independent arbitrator ruled in favor of the league in this case, considering an immediate suspension pending the arbitration hearing to be “justified and appropriate.”

The league said an investigation found Lemon bet on games in 2021 during his time as a Stampeder and there was no evidence the results were influenced by his bets.

“The CFL is disappointed that the players association is challenging a decision that upholds the integrity of the league,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement at the time.

“The league’s rules prohibiting CFL-related gambling in 2021 were clear to all players at the time, but Mr. Lemon willfully ignored them,” it said.

“The ban on CFL wagering by CFL employees, including players, is essential to preserving the league’s reputation. The CFL will vigorously defend its position at the arbitration hearing and will have no further comment pending a decision,” the Ambrosie Circuit concluded.

The Alouettes also released a statement on this topic.

“The Canadian Football League Players Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Shawn Lemon, challenging the Canadian Football League’s decision to suspend him indefinitely. As a result, Shawn returned to Alouettes camp today. The team continues to reiterate its support for the CFL’s gambling regulations and will await the outcome of the CFL’s case. The Alouettes will have no further comment on this situation at this time.”

By appealing his verdict, Lemon was allowed to return to training and play until a referee had decided on the appeal.

Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, announced his retirement two weeks before the league suspended him. He had previously signed a one-year contract extension with the Alouettes.

Lemon, 35, of Charleston, South Carolina, helped the Alouettes to a 28-24 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup last season. The club went 12-4 (including the playoffs) after signing Lemon, who recorded 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 regular-season games. He also reached the CFL’s 100-sack mark last season.