An Independent arbitrator on Wednesday upheld Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Shawn Lemon’s suspension for wagering on CFL games including one in which he played when he was a member of the Calgary Stampeders in 2021. According to 3DownNation, Lemon betted 70 Euros (approximately $100 CAD) on a two-game parlay, including one in which he played.
“We respect the arbitrator’s decision and the important precedent that has been established,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a statement.
“The integrity of any sport is paramount. Players, fans, and anyone associated with our game must be able to believe in the league’s fairness of competition. Today’s decision upholds that standard and underscores the CFL’s position against match manipulation.”
The independent arbitrator’s decision is binding. Shawn Lemon was initially suspended by the CFL on April 24, 2024, 14 days after he announced his sudden retirement from the CFL.
On May 14, 2024, Lemon appealed the suspension. During that time, Lemon was able to return to the field. This season, Lemon made six tackles and one sack in four games helping Montreal get off to a 4-0 start to the season before his suspension was reinstated on July 4, 2024. Lemon’s suspension appeal was heard on August 2 and 5.
The Montreal Alouettes released a statement shortly after Lemon’s suspension was upheld.
“Earlier today, the Montreal Alouettes were informed of the independent arbitrator’s decision to uphold Shawn Lemon’s indefinite suspension for betting on CFL games in 2021.
The Alouettes organization has always supported the league’s rules regarding betting and will continue to do so. The integrity of the league is of paramount importance to us, and we respect the final verdict of the independent arbitrator.
Since joining the Alouettes on July 24, 2023, Shawn Lemon has been an important member of our locker room and community. We would like to thank him for all the contributions he has made to our team over the past 13 months.
The Alouettes organization will not make any further comment on this matter.”
Shawn Lemon is six foot one and weighs 242 pounds. The 36-year-old from Waldorf, Maryland, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 18, 2011, and was placed on the practice squad. Later, he signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and played one game in 2011.
Lemon had stints with the Orlando Predators (AFL) and Sioux Falls Storm (IFL) in 2012 before returning to the CFL in 2012 with the Edmonton Eskimos. He played 12 games with 15 tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble.
In 2013, Lemon signed with the Calgary Stampeders. He played two seasons in Calgary with 44 tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, and eight forced fumbles in 24 games. He is a member of the 2014 Grey Cup championship team.
After Calgary, Lemon left and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later the San Francisco 49ers but returned to the CFL in 2015 signing with the Ottawa Redblacks. He made 13 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles in nine games. He was named a CFL East All-Star after the 2015 season.
In 2016, Lemon returned to Saskatchewan for his second stint. He played one game with one forced fumble before he was traded to the Toronto Argonauts. In Toronto, he made 22 tackles, 14 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 16 games. After the season, he signed a contract extension.
During the 2017 season, Lemon made 18 tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble in 12 games helping the Argonauts win the 105th Grey Cup. It was Lemon’s second Grey Cup championship.
Lemon began the 2018 season in Toronto playing five games with five tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble before he was traded to the B.C. Lions. He played 13 games with 17 tackles and ten sacks for the Lions. In 2019, he returned to Toronto as a free agent with 15 tackles and one sack in four games before he was again traded to the B.C. Lions. Lemon made 19 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles in ten games for the Lions.
Lemon signed with the Edmonton Elks on February 3, 2021, but was released on July 29, 2021. He signed with the Calgary Stampeders a day later on July 30, 2021. In 2021, Lemon made 26 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles in 11 games.
In 2022, Lemon made 29 tackles, 14 sacks, and five forced fumbles for the Calgary Stampeders. He was named a CFL West All-Star and CFL All-Star in 2022. Lemon played two seasons in Calgary with 55 tackles, 22 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in 28 games.
On July 23, 2023, Lemon signed with the Montreal Alouettes. He made 26 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions, one touchdown, and one forced fumble in 13 games for the Alouettes in 2023 helping them win the 110th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24.
Collegiately, Lemon played four seasons at the University of Akron (2007-10) with 102 tackles (53 solo, 49 assists), 23 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one pass breakup, six forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in 41 games for the Zips. In his final season, Lemon made 39 tackles, seven sacks, one pass breakup, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 12 games.
