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C.J. Moore: Gambling suspension result of immaturity, ‘thankful’ to be back with Lions

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6 months ago

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C.J. Moore: Gambling suspension result of immaturity, ‘thankful’ to be back with Lions

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Allen Park — C.J. Moore isn’t making excuses. He’s just happy he’s getting another chance.

The Lions safety missed the 2023 season after being suspended a year for violating the league’s gambling policy for betting on NFL action. Reinstated by the NFL in April, Moore reached an agreement to rejoin the Lions earlier this month.

“Super thankful for that,” Moore said after Thursday’s OTA practice. “We weren’t allowed to speak (while I was suspended). Once the door opened, my agent just told me that they had reached out. I mean, that was just blessings. I can’t even explain it. I’m just so, so thankful for them.”

Moore was light on specifics regarding the actions that led to his suspension. Asked for the extent of his gambling, he said that was between him, the team and the league. But he didn’t deny wrongdoing, taking full responsibility for his actions.

“I just failed to hold myself accountable,” Moore said. “I shouldn’t have been gambling in the first place or anything like that. I failed in that area. … I knew the rules. Just, like I said, being immature, just gambling, losing control of being aware of exactly what I was doing. Just careless mistake.”

One thing Moore made clear was the bets he placed didn’t involve the Lions.

Moore said his gambling days are behind him. When the topic comes up, he quickly leaves the room, removing even the temptation. More than anything, he tries to see the positives from the past year. During his time away, he got married, welcomed a second child and stayed in shape training four times a week.

He credited his wife for staying supportive through the tribulation.

“I thank God for her, man,” Moore said. “She’s a champ. She didn’t fold at all, she stuck by my side, just stood behind me and was there when I needed her.”

One of the biggest challenges Moore faced in 2023 was watching the Lions have success without him. He stayed in touch with teammates, frequently sending along words of encouragement, but it was bittersweet not contributing to the team’s turnaround after experiencing years of losing in Detroit.

Moore, who spent most of his career with the Lions, has been welcomed back with open arms. One of their top special teams performers from 2019-22, he’ll likely slide right back into those roles, which should carry added emphasis after the league revamped the kickoff format this offseason.

“I’m obviously excited to have him back,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. “Hated to see him go. But it’s great to have him back. He’s an energetic player, he’s always got a positive attitude, an optimistic person. And he is a very sudden player, too, so that helps. Yeah, we’re definitely excited.”

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

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