Former Arizona Wideout Berryhill Suspended For Violating NFL Gambling Policy

Stanley Berryhill, a former wide receiver for the University of Arizona and currently playing for the Detroit Lions, is among five NFL players recently penalized for breaching the league’s gambling rules. Berryhill will be suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season.

The NFL also tagged three additional Detroit players. These included 2022 first-round pick, wideout Jameson Williams, who was suspended for six games. The other two Lions players, wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, were handed indefinite suspensions by the NFL. Upon hearing this, Detroit immediately released the two players who were allegedly involved in betting on NFL games.

The league also imposed an indefinite suspension on Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, who is ineligible for reinstatement until after the 2023 season. Additionally, some members of the Lions’ staff faced penalties from the league.

It is reported that Berryhill did not place bets on NFL games.

Since September 2021, sports betting has been legalized in Arizona, which now boasts 17 online sportsbooks. In contrast, Michigan initiated sports betting approximately eight months prior to Arizona and currently hosts 15 online sportsbooks.

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard was the first to reveal that the NFL had suspended five players on April 21. It’s reported that Berryhill and Williams received lighter suspensions as they allegedly placed wagers while at NFL facilities, not on NFL games themselves, which is what the other three players are suspected of doing.

The NFL stated that they discovered no proof of inside information being used or any NFL games being compromised by the Lions staff or players.

In 2021, Berryhill had a standout season at the University of Arizona.

Berryhill played as a wide receiver for the U of A Wildcats for four years. During his initial three years, he had a challenging time getting on the field, garnering just a bit more than 600 yards from scrimmage. Nonetheless, in his senior year, Berryhill managed to catch 83 passes and amass 865 yards from scrimmage, which included 121 rushing yards from his 19 attempts.

In 2022, Berryhill was not drafted by any team. He played for several teams throughout the league, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals, before he ultimately signed with the Detroit Lions.

Williams, similar to Berryhill, was allegedly placing bets on non-NFL games while on NFL premises.

Since four out of the five suspended players belonged to the Lions, their team General Manager Brad Holmes issued a statement.

Following an investigation by the NFL, it was revealed that several of our players breached the league’s gambling policy. These players displayed judgment that clashes with our organization’s values and contravenes league regulations. Consequently, we have decided to immediately sever ties with Quintez and C.J. We express our disappointment in the choices made by Stanley and Jameson and commit to working with them to ensure they comprehend the gravity of such violations and fully grasp the league rules moving forward.

Several Detroit staff members were let go by the team in addition to the suspension of the players.

The NFL imposes severe penalties for breaches of its gambling policy.

The NFL strictly forbids its players from placing bets on its games. They are also prohibited from gambling in any club or league setting, as per the NFL’s gambling policy. Moreover, players are not permitted to visit a physical sportsbook during the season.

Players can bet on other professional and college sports, as long as they are not in an NFL facility at the time of placing the bet.

The league imposes severe penalties on NFL players discovered betting on NFL games. Those who break this rule typically face indefinite suspension. However, they can seek reinstatement after a year or longer, depending on the decision of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Josh Shaw, a cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals, was suspended for numerous games in the 2019 season and the whole 2020 season due to betting on NFL games. Although he was allowed to return in 2021, he has not participated in any NFL games since his suspension.

In a letter written following the abrupt suspension of Atlanta Falcons star wideout Calvin Ridley in 2021, Goodell clarified the NFL’s policy on gambling.

The integrity of the game is the cornerstone of NFL’s success and the reputation of everyone involved in our league. This obligation lies with every player, coach, owner, game official, and all other league employees. Your behavior jeopardized this integrity, risked damaging public trust in professional football, and could have tarnished the reputations of your NFL peers.

Goodell further stated that NFL personnel who bet on NFL games and anyone who breaches the NFL’s gambling policy would be subject to “the most severe penalty.”