Sports gambling news continues to make waves. Three former Detroit Lions headlined a group of five players reinstated by the NFL on Thursday after serving year-long suspensions for violating the league’s gambling policy. Their suspensions shook the sports world last season, but now all five players look to put it behind them and sign with teams. Which players are back, and who could make an impact in 2024?
Former Lions Moore, Cephus, and Taylor Reinstated
Former Lions safety C.J. Moore, who was suspended one season for violating the league’s gambling policy, was just informed that he is being reinstated and he now is eligible to sign with a team, per source. pic.twitter.com/jblKJAKwTH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2024
The biggest name of the five is definitely former Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore. After appearing in 56 games over his first three seasons, Moore signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract extension to stay in Detroit just one month before the suspension came down. They used a valuable second-round pick on budding star safety Brian Branch last season, but Moore knows the system and could still provide depth.
Wide receiver Quintez Cephus and defensive end Demetrius Taylor also return after sitting out all of last season for gambling. Cephus tallied 37 receptions for 568 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first three seasons in the NFL. He had one year remaining on his deal at the time of suspension and release. But with talented young receivers all over Detroit’s roster, it’s hard to imagine Cephus coming back to the team.
Demetrius Taylor signed on as an undrafted free agent in 2022 but had already been released at the time of the suspension, indicating there is probably no chance he will resign with the Lions.
Two Other Players Eligible to Return
Defensive ends Shaka Toney and Rashod Berry have been reinstated as well after serving their year-long suspensions. Toney was a 2021 seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders and was actually never released by the team. But a full new regime change has taken place in Washington since the last time he played there.
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, Rashod Berry has been on the roster with the Patriots, Lions, and Jaguars. He appeared in 8 career games and was a member of the Colts at the time of suspension.
One other player, defensive back Isaiah Rodgers, was also suspended last year for gambling. However, his suspension is still currently under review and he was not reinstated on Thursday. Rodgers was with the Colts at the time of his suspension but later signed with the Eagles, who now hold his rights.
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Daniel Willon is a sportswriter based in Southern California. A lifelong Chargers, Lakers, and UCLA fan, he’s covered everything from football to surfing. Follow him on X @dwillsports.
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