CFL lifts Shawn Lemon’s gambling suspension; veteran spotted at Alouettes facility

Montreal Alouettes defensive end Shawn Lemon (0) scores a touchdown after a fumble by Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum, not shown, during second half CFL football action in Ottawa on September 30, 2023. Photo by Justin Tang /The Canadian Press

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TORONTO — Shawn Lemon can resume his CFL career, and a return to the Montreal Alouettes appears imminent.

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The CFL reinstated the veteran defensive lineman with conditions Wednesday. Lemon, 36, was suspended indefinitely on April 24, 2024, for wagering on league games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders, including one game in which he played.

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Following an appeal, an independent arbitrator upheld the suspension.

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“Protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance and we will not tolerate players violating the CFL’s match manipulation policy,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. “Mr. Lemon’s suspension, which was the longest in league history, was necessary and appropriate.

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“He has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands how wagering negatively impacts sports and has re-educated himself on league policy. He is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake.”

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The reinstatement comes with specific conditions. Any future violations of the league’s match manipulation policy will result in a lifetime ban.

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Lemon, who’s currently a free agent, was seen exiting Montreal’s Olympic Stadium wearing an Alouettes hat and sporting the team’s backpack later Wednesday. He didn’t immediately respond to an interview request from The Canadian Press.

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“We just won’t comment on him right now. He’s not a part of our team just yet,” Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said moments earlier. “But I think everybody that knows us and how we feel about Shawn, it hasn’t changed.

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“He’s a great player, a great guy. He’s been tremendous in our locker room … he’s been nothing short of amazing when he’s been in our building and I think everybody would say that to a man.”

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Lemon won’t be able to play immediately. He still faces a two-game suspension under the league’s drug policy after testing positive for the banned stimulant phentermine, which is prescribed as an appetite suppressant.

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Suspended players can’t participate in regular-season or post-season games. It is at the club’s discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, pre-season games, practices or meetings.

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Alouettes linebacker Darnell Sankey couldn’t hide his excitement about Lemon’s potential return.

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“Lemon is a hell of a player, an even better man, and I feel like he definitely deserves another shot in this league,” Sankey said. “He’s done a lot of great things and he’s an amazing player, and we’re excited.

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“We try to stay focused on who’s here, and when he comes back, we’ll welcome him back with open arms — if that’s what happens.”