By Canadian Press

Arbitrator reinstates suspension of Alouettes DL Lemon ahead of August hearing

Jul 4, 2024 | 11:11 AM

TORONTO — An arbitrator has reinstated the CFL’s indefinite suspension of Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Shawn Lemon for gambling on sports.

The CFL said in a statement Lemon will remain suspended until after an arbitration hearing which has been rescheduled for Aug. 1-2.

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

Lemon appealed the suspension in May, which allowed him to report to Montreal’s training camp and play with the CFL team.

Lemon has helped the defending Grey Cup champions open with a 4-0 record, registering six tackles and a sack.

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But with the reinstatement of Lemon’s suspension, he won’t play Saturday night when the Alouettes host the Calgary Stampeders.

The suspension came after Lemon announced his retirement, which was a surprise as he had recently signed a one-year extension with the Alouettes after helping them win the Grey Cup.

Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup champion, has appeared in 154 regular-season CFL games over 13 campaigns.

The CFL said after Lemon launched his appeal, an arbitration meeting was originally scheduled to take place Friday. But the league requested an immediate suspension after Lemon sought to adjourn the hearing to the beginning of August.

The arbitrator ruled in favour of the league that an immediate suspension until the hearing was justified and reasonable.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2024.

The Canadian Press