Calvin Ridley Suspended For Betting On NFL Games

• Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season.
• Ridley violated the NFL’s gambling policy by betting on games during the 2021 NFL season.

ATLANTA – The NFL issued a minimum season-long suspension to Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley on Monday for violating the league’s gambling rules.

During an investigation, Ridley was discovered to have been betting on NFL games during the 2021 NFL season. Ridley cannot appeal a return to play until February 15, 2023.

Ridley Gambling Violation

Ridley was found to have placed wagers on NFL games in November 2021 when he was away from the team. Ridley was out during a five-day period on the non-football illness list.

While the league did declare that no evidence of game fixing has taken place, nor that any teammates or coaches knew about the betting, Ridley must still sit out for the entirety of next season.

The NFL’s official gambling policy is strict on no active players or staff on a roster being allowed to wager on any NFL games.

The league notified Ridley of his suspension and released their official statement on the matter Monday afternoon.

“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” said Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner to Ridley. “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.”

What Happens Next?

The NFL has integrated greatly with legal sports betting in recent years, partnering with sportsbooks and promoting odds during games.

Despite this, their strict gambling policy has not been altered and Ridley is the latest example of the NFL showing zero tolerance to violators.

Ridley is not guaranteed a return to play even after the 2022 season as the suspension is indefinite. His appeal will be reviewed by the NFL when the time comes.

News tags: Atlanta | Atlanta Falcons | Calvin Ridley | football | NFL