Atlanta Falcons player, Calvin Ridley, has been suspended from playing in the National Football League (NFL) this season, after an investigation concluded he was placing bets on certain games.
The league has also stated that the ban may go on for longer after Ridley gambled on NFL games during the 2021 season over the course of five days in November – when it was reported that he was working on his mental wellbeing.
The club stated: “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on 9 February. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions.
“We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
Furthermore, the league stated that an investigation did not find any evidence that would indicate inside information was being used or that a game was compromised.
There was also no evidence to suggest that there was any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates or other players of his betting activity.
NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodall, added: “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.”
The wide receiver may now apply for reinstatement to the league starting on 15 February 2023, and has also been given the right to appeal the suspension.
In 2018, Ridley drafted No. 26 overall in 2018, and he has a record of 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns over four seasons. The Falcons exercised his fifth-year option for the 2022 season last spring.
The player yesterday took to twitter counteracting claims of a gambling problem.
