Shawn Lemon appeals sports gambling suspension, training with Alouettes

Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has appealed his sports-gambling suspension and is back with the Montreal Alouettes.

According to a league source, Lemon filed his appeal Monday night and was on the field practising Tuesday at the Canadian Football League team's training camp in Saint-Jerome, Que. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as neither the league nor CFL Players' Association have divulged details of the appeal.

The CFL indefinitely suspended Lemon on April 24 for betting on league games, including one the league says he played in.

The league said an investigation showed Lemon bet on games in 2021 while with the Calgary Stampeders but added there was no evidence to indicate games were impacted by his wagering.

"The CFL is disappointed that the Players' Association would challenge a decision so fundamental to the integrity of our league," CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. "The league's rules prohibiting CFL-related gambling in 2021 were made abundantly clear to all players at the time, yet Mr. Lemon knowingly ignored those rules.

"The prohibition of wagering on the CFL by CFL personnel, including players, is critical to the reputation and standing of the league. The CFL will vigorously defend its position at the arbitration hearing."

The CFL and the Alouettes did not immediately provide a reason for Lemon's presence amid the suspension, but both said they would be issuing a statement.

But by appealing the suspension, Lemon becomes eligible to resume practising and playing until such time as an arbitrator renders a decision on his appeal.

The Lemon saga adds to what's already been a difficult time for the CFL.

Last week, the league suspended Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly from playing in