Former Stampeder Shawn Lemon suspended indefinitely by CFL for betting on games

The CFL indefinitely suspended veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon on Wednesday for betting on league games, including one the league says he played in.

The CFL said an investigation showed Lemon bet on games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders.

The league added there was no evidence to indicate games were impacted by his wagering. It also said no Calgary coaches, teammates or team personnel were aware of Lemon's actions.

Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, retired April 10 to cap a career in Canada that spanned 13 seasons. His decision to retire came roughly four months after he signed a one-year extension with Montreal.

"The integrity of our game is of the utmost importance," CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. "Any other factors — career performance, actions in the community, timing, frequency or size of wagers — hold no weight when the legitimacy of the CFL can be called into question.

"It is our responsibility as a league to investigate and address such abnormalities, and it is our collective duty, along with our teams and players, to ensure that sports wagering in no way impacts the quality nor standing of the CFL. We will continue to work with our authorized gaming operators, partners and stakeholders to hold our game to the highest standard."

Lemon, 35, helped Montreal defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 in last year's Grey Cup. The Alouettes went 12-4, including the playoffs, after signing Lemon, who had 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 13 regular-season games.

Lemon, of Charleston, S.C., also earned his 100th CFL sack last season.

"The Alouettes were recently made aware of the CFL's investigation regarding an issue involving Shawn Lemon that took