Shawn Lemon is not welcome to return to the CFL.
The league announced Wednesday that an independent arbitrator has upheld the CFL’s indefinite suspension of the Montreal Alouettes star defensive end for betting on league games.
“We respect the arbitrator’s decision and the important precedent that has been established,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said 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.”
Previously, an arbitrator reinstated Lemon’s indefinite suspension, pending an official hearing, in early July after he played the first four games of the season for the Alouettes while appealing the penalty.
The official hearing was held in early August.
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.
Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, originally announced his retirement two weeks before the league announced his suspension despite signing a one-year extension with Montreal during the off-season.
The 35-year-old from Charleston, S.C., 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. He also earned his 100th CFL sack last season.