Shawn Lemon Suspended

[ArgoRavi]

Any thoughts on the Shawn Lemon suspension for gambling, including on one of his own team's games?

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/shawn-lemon-suspended-indefinitely-for-betting-on-cfl-games-1.2108980

This is quite notable IMO. I suspect that Lemon knew this was coming which is why he retired not long ago after signing a contract extension.

[AngeloV]

Obviously betting on your own games is bad, but the league (and pro sports in general) is in bed with all these sports betting sites. Seems a little hypocritical to me. I still see no issue if someone bets on their own team to win. As long as they don't bet against their own team, who really cares?

[ArgoRavi]

Obviously betting on your own games is bad, but the league (and pro sports in general) is in bed with all these sports betting sites. Seems a little hypocritical to me. I still see no issue if someone bets on their own team to win. As long as they don't bet against their own team, who really cares?

I don't think I can disagree with anything you have said here.

[ArgoZ]

It’s risky when a player starts to bet on his own league. How much influence does he have on games? Betting on winning seems OK, yet what happens when it becomes props like TD’s or yardage? A player forces a throw and it’s picked, instead of running for an easy first down because he needs those yards. Team fumbles would be an easy stat to win. Is it OK if you’re the back and betting on not fumbling, but not OK if you’re betting on 2 or more fumbles? Also, we all know how betting can lead down a dark path. Once you’re in that lifestyle, it’s not too hard to start betting on losing to recoup your losses. Temptation, desperation happens when you lose your house. The integrity of the game is at stake when this all happens behind the scene.

[ArgoRavi]

It’s risky when a player starts to bet on his own league. How much influence does he have on games? Betting on winning seems OK, yet what happens when it becomes props like TD’s or yardage? A player forces a throw and it’s picked, instead of running for an easy first down because he needs those yards. Team fumbles would be an easy stat to win. Is it OK if you’re the back and betting on not fumbling, but not OK if you’re betting on 2 or more fumbles? Also, we all know how betting can lead down a dark path. Once you’re in that lifestyle, it’s not too hard to start betting on losing to recoup your losses. Temptation, desperation happens when you lose your house. The integrity of the game is at stake when this all happens behind the scene.

Good points. It can be a slippery slope.

Arland Bruce IV bet against his own team in the NCAA and, as a result, had his contract with Edmonton voided by the CFL this off-season.

[ArgoGabe22]

The Raptors player would reach a certain stat and then sit out with an “injury” when it came to prop bets and hitting the under. But I think that’s easier to control in the NBA. But if a player confidently bets they’ll score TDs, put up 150 yards receiving then no fan would probably seem to have a problem with it. Unless the Defence was in on it.

Eastern Final last year had chatter of Kelly throwing the game, but if Argos crushed the Als, no one would even think that any player put bets on winning the game big.

[AngeloV]

It’s risky when a player starts to bet on his own league. How much influence does he have on games? Betting on winning seems OK, yet what happens when it becomes props like TD’s or yardage? A player forces a throw and it’s picked, instead of running for an easy first down because he needs those yards. Team fumbles would be an easy stat to win. Is it OK if you’re the back and betting on not fumbling, but not OK if you’re betting on 2 or more fumbles? Also, we all know how betting can lead down a dark path. Once you’re in that lifestyle, it’s not too hard to start betting on losing to recoup your losses. Temptation, desperation happens when you lose your house. The integrity of the game is at stake when this all happens behind the scene.

Props are a different thing (unless you bet on your own teammate to do better than the prop bet). To bet strictly on your own team to win, should be legal. Owners of horses bet on their horses all the time. And, I am will to bet (LOL) that owners bet on their own team against the owners of the team they are playing against all the time.