NFL Suspends Atlanta Falcons Player Calvin Ridley for Betting on 2021 Games; Player Breaks Silence

Atlanta wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely after the NFL learned he was betting on games last season. He is suspended for the following 2022 season. 

According to a news release, “The league says the betting took place during a five-day period in late last November while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club’s facility on the non-football illness list.” However, no evidence suggests any inside information was used or a game was compromised. 

The letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension says: 

“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.

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 be eligible to petition for reinstatement on or after Feb. 15, 2023. 

Following the news, Ridley took to Instagram to share the past few weeks have been challenging for him and that he’s going to be taking some time to focus on his mental health.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVtG2adlE_K/