Atlanta Falcons recipient Calvin Ridley has been suspended for at least the 2022 season after gambling on the 2021 games.
The NFL released a statement Monday announcing his suspension, saying he gambled on games over a 5-day period in November 2021 when he was on the injury list. unrelated to football to deal with his mental health.
Ridley gave up football on Halloween, saying he needed to get his personal life in order.
In a series of tweets Monday after the suspension was announced, Ridley said he had bet $1,500 in total and that “I have no gambling problem.” He also tweeted that he couldn’t even watch football at the time he placed the bet. He added that he will be “healthier when I come back” and that “I know I was wrong but I’m having a year lol.”
The NFL determined that Ridley had placed multiple parlay bets involving three, five and eight games including the Falcons win through his mobile device inactive, a source told Adam Schefter by ESPN.
The NFL learned about Ridley’s betting activity through its ties to the legal sports betting industry, a source told ESPN’s David Purdum.
“Nothing is more fundamental to the success of the NFL – and the reputation of everyone involved in our league – than maintaining the integrity of the game,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote. in a letter to Ridley announcing his suspension. “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 of these problems. your fellow players throughout the NFL.
“For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered one of the most significant violations of league policy, warranting the most severe punishment. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for promptly reporting to an interview and acknowledging your actions.”
The NFL said its investigation found no evidence that Ridley used inside information or that “any game was compromised in any way.” There is also no evidence that any Falcons coach, staff member or player knew about his betting activity.
“Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threaten to damage public confidence in professional football and potentially undermine the reputations of your fellow players throughout. NFL.”
Roger Goodell, in his letter to Calvin Ridley
The NFL says the earliest Ridley can apply for reinstatement is February 15, 2023.
He can also appeal the suspension by giving notice within three days, according to the collective bargaining agreement. It is not known whether he will appeal the penalty.
Multiple NFL teams have reached out to the Falcons in recent weeks to inquire about a transaction for Ridley, and each time, Atlanta has declined to enter negotiations in good faith, knowing the problems are in store for broad receivers. their prominence, sources told Schefter.
The Falcons said they are preparing for the 2022 season as if Ridley wouldn’t be with them.
“We were first made aware of the federation’s investigation on February 9. We have fully cooperated with the investigation since receiving notice and have supported the findings and actions of the federation. delegation,” the team said in a statement. “We are moving forward in the 2022 season with a decision already made. With the decision already taken by the NFL, any further questions about the investigation should be directed to the federation office.”
Ridley is the second player to be suspended for betting on NFL games since 2018, when a ruling from the US Supreme Court opened a path for all states to allow sports betting. Later-The Arizona Cardinals Defensive defender Josh Shaw is suspended in 2019 after the NFL learned he was betting on league games while on the injured bench.
Since the Supreme Court ruling, 30 states and the District of Columbia have made the sports betting market legal.
With Ridley currently unavailable, Atlanta has one recipient from last season’s 53-man roster under contract – rookie Frank Darby.
Ridley’s contract runs through 2023 and will officially launch in 2022, opening up $11.1 million in salary for the Falcons.
