CFL reinstates veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon after gambling suspension

By Canadian Press on July 16, 2025.

TORONTO — The CFL has reinstated veteran defensive lineman Shawn Lemon.

The CFL suspended Lemon, 36, indefinitely April 24, 2024 for wagering on league games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders, including one game in which he played.

Following an appeal, an independent arbitrator upheld the suspension.

The league said the reinstatement comes with specific conditions. Any future violations of the CFL Match Manipulation Policy will result in a lifetime ban.

Lemon, who’s currently a free agent, is now eligible to sign with any team.

However, he won’t be able to play immediately. Lemon must still serve a two-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy following a positive test for the banned substance Phentemine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025.

The Canadian Press