There wasn't much outcry last week when NFL players Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, and Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games. Players wagering on league games threatens the integrity of those games.'
There was, however, some displeasure shared by fans and media members regarding the six-game suspensions of Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill. Neither player wagered on NFL games, but they did use legal sportsbooks to place bets from a team facility, which is against NFL rules. A team facility means everything from the practice facility to the stadium and even includes team planes and hotels.'
The rule seemed unusual to fans. What's the harm in an NFL player placing a bet on an MLB game after a training camp practice?'
It turns out the rule is unique. Other major professional sports leagues don't have an equivalent rule, making the NFL's sports betting guidelines among the strictest across major leagues.'