In a significant development on Thursday, the NFL announced decisions affecting the future of several players, including Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Rashod Berry, and three ex-Detroit Lions members.
Former Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, along with free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor and former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, faced suspensions on June 29. While Rodgers’ suspension lasted indefinitely, Petit-Frere received a six-game ban for the start of the 2023 season.
Five players, including Toney, safety C.J. Moore, and wide receiver Quintez Cephus, were penalized for sports betting on April 21 of the previous year. This action resulted in suspensions for Moore and Cephus, alongside former Lions teammates wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill.
Rodgers was released by the Colts following his suspension and later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, although he did not play in any games during the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Berryhill and Williams had their six-game suspensions reduced to four after the NFL modified its gambling policy.
Despite facing setbacks, Williams made notable contributions to the Lions’ offense during the regular season and playoffs, tallying significant yardage and touchdowns. Berryhill, who was released by the Lions shortly after his suspension, went on to sign with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks and later joined the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions.