The Commanders released defensive end Shaka Toney on Monday. The NFL reinstated the Penn State product last week after he served a season-long gambling suspension in 2023.
Toney was one of five players reinstated by the NFL on Thursday, along with free agents Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, Demetrius Taylor and Rashod Berry. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that the newly-reinstated players gambled on NFL games during the 2022 season.
The Detroit Lions released Moore and Cephus after their suspensions began in 2023. Berry was also released by the Indianapolis Colts that offseason.
The NFL’s gambling policy, which has received more attention as sports betting becomes more common, restricts betting activities among league members. Players, coaches and team officials cannot bet on NFL games or place wagers at team facilities.
Violations of the policy can result in suspensions.
“With fans across the globe tuning into the game and related events, we must all do our part to protect the integrity [of] our game and avoid even the appearance of improper conduct,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo before February’s Super Bowl.
Toney was a seventh-round draft pick of the Commanders in 2021. The 26-year-old recorded 1.5 sacks and 16 tackles in 26 games with Washington.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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