This story was published more than 1 year ago.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended by the National Football League on Monday for betting on NFL games during the previous season. The suspension is indefinite, with a minimum span of the 2022 season before the player can apply for reinstatement.
Ridley was found to have placed parlay bets worth $1,500 over a five-day period in November of last year. The player was away from his team at the time, citing his mental wellbeing as the reason for the separation. The former first-round pick bet on the games on his phone, including placing a wager on his team to win.
The NFL has strict rules about current players betting on the game, and Ridley's suspension will cost him $11.1 million next year.
In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success -- and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league -- than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.
"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."
Ridley took to Twitter to defend himself, stating that he doesn't have a gambling problem.
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Comments
What a stupid, stupid mistake. There's a lot of people out there pointing out how players get DUIs or hit women that receive smaller suspensions, and I get that to an extent. The difference here is that it opens the game up to being rigged, and the integrity of the game is paramount to it being played.
By the way, I am all for players being suspended longer if they're found guilty of hitting their wives or girlfriends or whatever. I'm just saying integrity of the game needs to be at the top end of suspensions and fines for players. I think this is the right length.
sharpe
I just can't understand why someone would do such a stupid thing...how you expect to not get caught in first place...when NFL has so strict rules about it...and betting $1,500...which leads to a $11.1 million in losses for yourself...it's just an idiotic thing to do.. even if you were that...bored!
I agree with you guys. I mean, even casino employees can't play at the same casino, even though they can't rig a slot game for a payout. But why betting on sports when you're so well known and know this would become public knowledge?