The NFL has reinstated five players who were suspended for the entire 2023 season after violating the league’s gambling policy. Those players include Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney along with free agents Rashod Berry, Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, and Demetrius Taylor. Jonathan Jones, Lead NFL insider for CBS Sports, confirms the reinstatements. Toney is now able to participate in any Commanders offseason activities, while the other four players can sign with teams.
Cephus, Toney, and Moore were suspended last April and were subsequently released by the Lions upon receiving their suspensions. Berry and Taylor were suspended last June along with former Colts teammate Isaiah Rodgers after betting on NFL games in 2022. Indianapolis also waived Berry and Taylor after the league suspended them. Rodgers, however, remains suspended and has not been reinstated. Additionally, two other Lions players, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill III, received six-game suspensions for gambling.
The NFL’s gambling policy strictly prohibits any league employee from gambling in any team or league facility or venue. Enforcement of this policy is evident through the suspensions and subsequent releases of players found to have violated the league’s rules. The reinstatements of these players signal the potential for a second chance after facing the consequences of their actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the league’s rules and regulations to maintain integrity within the sport.