Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended by the NFL for the 2022 season for betting on league games during his leave from football last year.
According to the NFL, the alleged incidents took place during the five days that Ridley was absent from the team last November. The league investigation found no evidence that the 27-year-old used insider information or that any games were compromised, nor was there any indication that Falcons coaches, staff, or players knew of Ridley’s gambling.
Ridley admitted to betting $1,500 but claimed on Twitter that he was not even watching football at the time of the alleged infringement. That Florida Nativ announced in October 2021 that he was retiring from football to focus on his mental health and has yet to return to the team.
“Betting 1500 total I have no problem gambling,” Ridley tweeted on Monday.
“At that moment, I couldn’t even watch football,” he added.
Ridley will forfeit $11.1 million in 2022 wages and may apply for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended by the NFL for the 2022 season for betting on league games during his leave from football last year.
According to the NFL, the alleged incidents took place during the five days that Ridley was absent from the team last November. The league investigation found no evidence that the 27-year-old used insider information or that any games were compromised, nor was there any indication that Falcons coaches, staff, or players knew of Ridley’s gambling. Ridley admitted to betting $1,500 but claims he was not even watching football at the time of the alleged infringement. The Florida native announced in October 2021 that he was retiring from football to focus on his mental health and has yet to return to the team.
On Monday, the NFL shared part of a disciplinary letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell Ridley. “There is nothing more fundamental to the success of the NFL — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than maintaining a fair game,” Goodell Ridley wrote.
On Monday, the NFL shared part of a disciplinary letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell Ridley.
“There is nothing more fundamental to the success of the NFL — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than maintaining the integrity of the game,” Goodell Ridley wrote.
“It is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official and everyone who works in the league. Your actions compromised the integrity of the game, threatened to undermine public confidence in professional football, and potentially damaged the reputation of your peers throughout the NFL.
“For decades, gambling in NFL games has been considered one of the most serious violations of league policy, requiring the most serious sanctions. In your case, I acknowledge and thank you for showing up quickly for your interview and admitting your actions.
The Falcons also released a statement on Monday.
“We first learned about the league investigation on February 9th,” the team explained. “We have fully cooperated with the investigation since the notification was received and support the conclusions and actions of the league. We are moving forward into the 2022 season with the decision made. With the NFL’s decision, any further questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the league’s office.”
The NFL has traditionally kept gambling interests at bay, but has reversed course in recent years following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, opening the door for most states to legalize the sport. gamble.
The league’s partnerships with gaming corporations generated $1.8 billion in sponsorship revenue in 2021, according to the agency. New York Times.
Ridley, a former first-round pick from Alabama, was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 and has 238 career receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns. According to Spotrac.com, he has earned almost $12 million over his four-year career.
Ridley, a former first-round pick from Alabama, was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 and has 238 career receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns. According to Spotrac.com, he has earned almost $12 million over his four-year career.