NFL Suspends Player Calvin Ridley Over Parlay BetsRidley Bet On His Team To Win, Not Lose |
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The National Football League announced Monday that it has suspended Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely for betting on NFL games.
Ridley, who is now suspended through at least the end of next season, reportedly bet on parlays. At least one of his parlays involved his own team, but he bet on them to win, not lose. The league also found that Ridley didn’t take advantage of any “inside information” when gambling.
The total sum in question was only $1,500.
Ridley expressed dismay at the harsh one-year suspension. He has the right to appeal the suspension, but it’s unclear if he will do that.
I know I was wrong But I’m getting 1 year lol
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
According to the NFL, Ridley placed the bets when he was taking time away from the team to focus on his mental health. Ridley addressed rumors of a gambling addiction.
I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Ridley, drafted 26th overall in 2018, has 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns over four seasons with the Falcons. His future with the team is unclear.
The league put out a statement on the suspension.
“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,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter. “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,” he added.
Of course, this strict anti-gambling policy flies in the face of recent developments, which include several NFL teams partnering with casinos and the league itself inking deals with numerous NFL sports betting operators.
According to Goodell, Ridley “promptly” admitted to the betting when approached by the league.
The Falcons issued a statement on the action taken against the receiver.
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9,” the franchise said. “We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made.”
The last NFL suspension for gambling was handed out in 2019 to Arizona Cardinals player Josh Shaw, who placed some bets at a Las Vegas casino while he was on the injured reserve list and not active.
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