NFL suspends four players for violating league’s gambling policy
The NFL on Thursday announced four players have been suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season.
Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans is suspended for the team’s first six regular-season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility.
Rodgers, Berry and Taylor can petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The Colts waived Rodgers and Berry following the announcement of their indefinite suspensions.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement following the release of Rodgers and Berry. “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
Rodgers issued a statement on June 5 saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
The gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility, per the league.
“We have been made aware of Nick’s suspension by the league,” the Titans said in a statement Thursday. “We believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization. We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”
Thursday’s news is the latest in what has become a string of offseason gambling suspensions in 2023. On April 21, the league suspended Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and safety C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
Despite the league’s efforts to inform each and every player of its gambling policy, more than a few have violated it in the last calendar year. Most clubs have deemed their errors in judgment as cause for termination: Only Petit-Frere, Williams and Toney remain with their clubs after being suspended.
The causes for gambling-related suspensions have ranged from players who placed wagers on their own teams while not participating (e.g., Calvin Ridley bet on his Falcons teammates while recovering from injury in 2021, resulting in an indefinite suspension in 2022), to players who have not abided by the league’s prohibition of betting on non-NFL sports while at the club facility. Ridley has since been traded to Jacksonville, reinstated by the league and is expected to return to action with the Jaguars in 2022.
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