Calvin Ridley was suspended indefinitely until at least the 2022 season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, the league announced Monday afternoon.
The league said Ridley made a bet on NFL games for the 2021 season during a five-day stretch in late November 2021 while he was off the team on the non-football sickness reserve list.
The Falcons released the following statement regarding the actions taken on the receiver.
“We first became aware of the league investigation on February 9th. 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. decision made by the NFL, any further questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
In its announcement, the league included what Commissioner Roger Goodell had written in a letter notifying Ridley of his suspension:
“There is nothing more important to the success of the NFL — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than maintaining the integrity of the game. It is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone who works in your actions to compromise the integrity of the game, threaten to undermine public confidence in professional football, and potentially damage 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 coming quickly to the interview and acknowledging your actions.”
Ridley can apply for league reinstatement starting February 15, 2023. He also has the right to appeal the suspension.
Ridley has only played five games for the Falcons in 2021. He resigned from the team on October 31, saying in a statement that he was doing so to work on his mental health. He did not return and was listed by the NFI on 5 November.
Ridley, selected 26th overall in the 2018 draft, had 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns in four seasons. Last spring, the Falcons exercised their fifth-year option for the 2022 season.