Jameson Williams Reinstated with NFL Gambling Policy Changes

• The NFL and NFLPA agreed to alter the league’s gambling policy, effectively reinstating Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams.
• Changes to the NFL’s gambling policy reduce penalty for betting outside of the NFL but increase penalty for betting on NFL games.
• Betting on NFL games earns an indefinite suspension with attempted game fixing resulting in a permanent ban from the NFL.

DETROIT – Friday’s changes to the NFL’s gambling policy immediately reinstates two formerly suspended players. Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions and Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans are effectively reinstated as of Monday.

The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) updated the league’s legal sports betting policy. Changes to the NFL’s gambling policy lighten punishment for betting on other sports at team facilities but crack down on NFL betting.

With the updated changes for betting on other sports, two-game suspensions are issued to first-time offenders, six-game suspensions for second-time offenders, and suspension for at least one year without pay for a third violation. Petit-Frere and Williams were suspended six games for first-time offenses, but would have only received two-game suspensions under the new policy.

How Is The NFL Cracking Down On NFL Betting?

Punishment for betting on NFL games increased with the updated changes. Any player or staff member that bets on the NFL or provides insider information will face an indefinite suspension of at least one year.

Anyone who participates or attempts to participate in match-fixing faces a permanent ban from the NFL. Third-party betting or proxy betting warrant an indefinite suspension of at least one year as well.

“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement. “The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment.”

A recent flood of betting violations this summer has the league prioritizing NFL betting integrity while providing greater education and leniency to first-time violators of the gambling policy.

News tags: Detroit Lions | football | Jameson Williams | NFL | NFLPA | Nicholas Petit-Frere | Tennessee Titans