Which CFL Players and Coaches Gamble?

Shawn Lemon

Shawn Lemon was found guilty of betting on CFL games whilst he was a Calgary Stampeders player in 2021. The former defensive lineman retired from professional football on April 10, 2024. However, just weeks later, the CFL handed the 35-year-old an indefinite ban for committing betting offences.

Lemon is a highly decorated CFL player with 13 years of experience in the league. During his career, Lemon represented seven Canadian football teams, won three Grey Cups and was named in the CFL All-Star Team of 2022.

The nature of Lemon’s gambling activity on CFL games was not disclosed in full. However, the player reportedly wagered on games he played. He also placed bets involving other CFL teams. Moreover, the veteran’s actions were unknown to his teammates and coaches at the time, and it is unknown whether his gambling activities had an impact on the outcomes of the games.

In response to the allegations, Lemon came out of retirement and appealed the cases. As a result, the 35-year-old was allowed to return to his current team, the Montreal Alouettes, and he was eligible to play in CFL matches early in the 2024 season.

But, in another recent development, the CFL enforced its ban on Lemon once more in July 2024. An arbitrator is currently waiting to hear evidence and preparing its final decision on the player’s future.

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Arland Bruce IV

Arland Bruce IV, the son of three-time CFL All-Star wide receiver Arland Bruce III, joined Edmonton Elks in December 2023.

However, the former University of Iowa player was involved in a betting scandal involving five college students. In August 2023, state prosecutors found Bruce, along with four other students of Iowa State and the University of Iowa, guilty of wagering on games in which they participated.

Bruce reportedly bet on 11 games in which he played. He allegedly made over 130 total wagers between 2021 and 2022. In addition, the receiver bet on the under-points market during a game between the University of Iowa and Northwestern. During the match, Bruce scored the touchdown that took the game into the over threshold.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association banned Bruce from playing in any sports events following his betting activities. As a result, he was unable to play for Oklahoma State after moving there for the 2023 season.

The 21-year-old then dropped out of college and was signed by the Edmonton Elks late in 2023. However, the receiver’s contract was cancelled by the team shortly after his arrival. In March 2024, Bruce was available again at the Oklahoma State Big 12 Pro Day, where unsigned players showcase their readiness for NFL teams.

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Art Schlichter

Former Ottawa Rough Riders quarterback Art Schlichter suffered from long-term gambling addiction throughout his career. The Ohio State graduate started wagering on horse racing during his college days. However, his betting activity extended into his own sporting career and other sports.

Schlichter signed his first professional football contract with the Baltimore Colts in 1982. However, the former player’s gambling habits were well-established at this stage, and he struggled to control his activity.

Schlichter was reportedly betting on NFL games and other sports as an active player and was eventually suspended for 13 months in 1983. Despite returning to the Colts in 1985, the quarterback continued to gamble and was eventually released.

After years out of the game, Schlichter returned to professional action in 1988 with the Rough Riders. Here, Schlichter played his first competitive game in almost three years to start the 1988 CFL season. However, after playing just eight games, the quarterback broke his ribs and was released mid-way through the season.

Eventually, Schlichter made a career in the Arena Football League for Detroit Drive and Cincinnati Rockers during the early 1990s. However, his betting addiction continued during his AFL days as he continued to bet on games while playing for Detroit and Cincinnati.

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