From sidelined through 2021 to suspended for Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley – Atlanta Falcons Blog
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The 2021 season seems to hold a lot of promise for the fifth year Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, but it ended up in disarray. His 2022 campaign ended before it even started, the result of a suspension lasts one year filed by the NFL on Monday for gambling on its games.
Here’s a timeline of events for the previous first pick over the past 10 months:
May 3, 2021: The team opted for his fifth-year pick, guaranteeing Ridley $11.1 million for the 2022 season.
June 9, 2021: The Falcons have swapped places for Julio Jones, making Ridley the team’s top receiver and, it seems, all the more assured that he will get a long-term extension.
June 15, 2021: Ridley spoke to the media about post-season foot surgery that kept him out of field work during OTAs and minicamps.
July 29, 2021: Ridley claimed to have strong legs during training camp but did not participate in any pre-season games.
August 4, 2021: A good practice day with his daughter.
#GirlDad ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QJQ5tVHHZS
– Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 4, 2021
September 12, 2021: Ridley opened the season with five catches from 51 yards away Philadelphia Eagles.
September 19, 2021: Ridley makes seven passes in 63 meters and first encounter of the season against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
October 7, 2021: With the team ready to go to London to play against New York JetsRidley refuses to go because of what he considers a personal matter.
October 18, 2021: Ridley returns to the team after the Falcons’ goodbye week. During that week, he spoke to the media and said that he felt his problem was short-term and that it was over.
October 24, 2021: Ridley had four receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown at Miami Dolphins. That turned out to be his last game of the season.
October 31, 2021: In the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s home loss to Carolina PanthersRidley announced he will be leaving the team indefinitely to take care of his mental health. The Falcons have supported Ridley throughout the second half of the season, often declining to comment beyond saying they are backing him.
November 5, 2021: The Falcons have put Ridley on the non-football injury list.
Late November: Ridley’s bet covers five days of the month and includes parlays where he includes the Falcons to win.
February 9th: The Falcons were informed that the NFL was investigating Ridley for potentially gambling during games.
March 7: The NFL has announced at least a year’s suspension of Ridley for betting on NFL games.
