Four NFL players were suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Free agent Demetrius Taylor, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr., who was expected to start for the Indianapolis Colts, and his new teammate Rashod Berry, a backup defensive end, were all suspended indefinitely Thursday for betting on NFL games in 2022. All three players will miss the upcoming season and then be eligible to petition the league to be reinstated once the 2023 season ends.
According to an ESPN report, Rodgers’ wagers included a $1,000 prop bet on the Over/Under of rushing yards of a Colts running back.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere was also suspended Thursday for the first six regular season games of 2023 for betting on non-NFL sports at the team facility. Petit-Frere can participate in all off-season and preseason activities, including preseason games.
The NFL’s sports betting policy bars NFL employees from betting on NFL games and gambling in any club or league facility/venue, including a team’s practice facility.
The league is continuing its crackdown on gambling. Back in April, the NFL suspended a total of five players over sports betting violations. Among them, Quintez Cephus, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, C.J. Moore, a defensive back for the Lions, and Shaka Toney, a defensive end for the Washington Commanders, received indefinite suspensions. These players have the opportunity to seek reinstatement following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season.
In addition, two other receivers from the Lions, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, were given six-game suspensions for engaging in gambling activities. It was reported that Williams had placed bets on college football games while present at NFL facilities.
Before the start of the 2022 NFL season, Calvin Ridley, a wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons at the time, faced a full-season suspension for gambling on games. Ridley was later traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2022 season and was reinstated before the start of the 2023 NFL season.
