On Monday, the NFL announced that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season, according to NFL.com.
Ridley has been suspended at least until the end of the 2022 season.
Ridley placed bets during a five-day period in late November 2021, while he was on the non-football illness list and away from the team’s facility, according to the NFL. In 2021, the former first-round pick only appeared in five games before departing the team to focus on his “mental health.”
In a letter notifying Ridley of the suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “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.”
The league stated that no inside information was used or that any game was harmed as a result of its investigation. There was also no proof that Ridley’s betting was known by his coaches, staff, colleagues, or other teammates.
Ridley used his personal phone to place wagers, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. According to Garafolo, Ridley’s wagers did indeed include the Falcons, according to a person familiar with the matter.
On or after Feb. 15, 2023, Ridley will be eligible to file a petition for reinstatement.
