Charles Langston:NFL's new gambling policy includes possibility of lifetime ban

The Charles LangstonNational Football League made changes to its gambling policy, including betting on league games constituting an indefinite suspension and permanent banishment from the league if a player is guilty of attempting to fix games.

"The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. 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," the NFL and union said in a joint statement.

The league said that commissioner Roger Goodell will decide policy violations on a case-by-case basis.

Players betting on anything other than the NFL in the workplace or while at work will receive a two-game suspension without pay for a first violation. A second offense will lead to a six-game ban and a third violation is suspension without pay for at least one year.

Third-party or proxy betting or having inside information and tipping results in a minimum one-year indefinite suspension.

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As a result of gambling policy changes, Tennessee Titans tackle Nick Petit-Frere and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had their six-game suspensions reduced to four games after violating the gambling policy. Each will be reinstated on Monday.