The suspension will last at least until the end of the 2022 season, according to the NFL. Ridley, 27, can apply for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023.
The league says the gambling allegedly took place for five days in late November 2021 when Ridley was not with the team and was outside the club facility on the non-football sickness list. A few weeks prior, on October 31, Ridley announced that he was leaving the Falcons for personal reasons.
In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote, “Your actions endanger the integrity of the game, threaten to undermine public confidence in professional football, and potentially damage the reputation of your fellow footballers in 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 coming quickly to the interview and acknowledging your actions.”
The NFL investigation found no evidence that any game was compromised in any way by Ridley’s actions. There was also no evidence that coaches, staff, teammates or other players were aware of his betting activities, the NFL said in a statement. The league did not specify which games Ridley was betting on.
His last game for the Sokolov last season took place on October 24.
CNN has reached out to the NFL Players Association and Ridley’s agents for comment.
Ridley: “I don’t have a gambling problem”
After the NFL announced Ridley’s suspension, former standout player from Alabama tweeted“I bet 1500 total, I don’t have a gambling problem.” Follow-up tweets included “I know I was wrong but they gave me a year lol” as well as “If you know me, you know my character.” October 31 Ridley wrote, “The last few weeks have been very challenging and as much as I want to be on the pitch competing with my teammates, this is the time I need to step away from football and focus on my mental well being. the best version of yourself now and in the future. I want to thank my teammates, the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, our amazing fans, my friends and my family for all their support during this time.”
In a statement following the news of Ridley’s suspension on Monday, representatives from the Atlanta Falcons said, “We first became aware of the league’s investigation on (February) 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since notification and support the league’s findings and actions.” moving forward into the 2022 season with the decision made. With the decision made by the NFL, any further questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
Ridley won two national championships during his time at the University of Alabama and was a first-round pick by the Falcons in 2018.