According to a statement released by NFL team The Atlanta Falcons, receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
The National Football League found that Ridley had bet on several games during November 2021. At the time, Ridley himself was not in action as he was on the reserve non-football illness list.
Following the NFL’s decision to ban Ridley for at least the 2022 season, the Falcons released this statement:
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9. 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. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
The NFL’s official announcement also included an excerpt of the letter sent to Ridley by commissioner Roger Goodell notifying him of his 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. 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.”
While Ridley was found to have breached the rules regarding gambling, the NFL’s investigation found that there was no evidence that he had gained inside information on the games in question or that he had contacted any of the playing staff involved in the games.
The suspension has been classed as indefinite, but Ridley will be allowed to reapply to join the league on February 15th 2023.
Following his suspension, Ridley becomes the fifth NFL player to be suspended for breaching the league’s gambling policy.
| Player | Year Suspended |
|---|---|
| Alex Karras | 1963 |
| Paul Hornung | 1963 |
| Art Schlichter | 1983 |
| Josh Shaw | 2019 |
| Calvin Ridley | 2022 |
The most recent player to have been suspended prior to Ridley, Josh Shaw, was reinstated to the league in 2021 following his suspension. However, he has yet to play a game since regaining his place in the league and is now a free agent.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.