‘Integrity Of The Game’: NFL Suspends Atlanta WR Ridley For Betting On NFL
Monday, March 7, 2022 at 05:25PM By Barry Janoff
March 7, 2022: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today suspended WR Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season “for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season," a violation of league policy.
The league said the “activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club's facility on the non-football illness list.”
Ridley in late October left the team to deal with personal issues.
The NFL — which has official alliances with seven sports betting platforms — said a league investigation “uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way. Nor was there evidence suggesting any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates, or other players of his betting activity.”
In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, Commissioner Goodell wrote:
"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.”
According to Goodell, “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."
Ridley “may petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023. Pursuant to the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, he may appeal his suspension by filing notice within three days,” according to the league.
Photo: Atlanta FalconsAccording to ESPN, the most recent previous NFL player suspended for gambling was Josh Shaw in 2019, a DB for the Arizona Cardinals.
Ridley subsequently posted to his social media platform, “(I) bet $1,500 total . . . I don't have a gambling problem . . . I couldn’t even watch football at that point . . . Just gone be more healthy when I come back . . .
“I know I was wrong. But I’m getting 1 year lol . . . If you know me you know my character.”
The Falcons posted to their Web site, "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."
In 2020, Ridley had 90 catches for 1,347 yards and nine touchdowns and was named All-Pro.
Drafted No. 26 overall in 2018 out of Alabama, he has 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns over four seasons.
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