The NFL announced Monday that it has indefinitely suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season.
Ridley has been suspended through at least the 2022 season finale.
According to the NFL, Ridley made the bet during a five-day period at the end of November 2021, when he was away from the club's facility on the non-football illness list. The former first-round pick played just five games before leaving the club in 2021 to focus on his "mental well-being".
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter notifying Ridley of the suspension, writing, "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." " “It is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, sports official, and any other person employed in the league. Your actions jeopardize the integrity of the game, threaten to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially Reduced reputation from your fellow players throughout the NFL.
“For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered one of the most significant violations of league policy, requiring the most significant sanction. In your case, I would recommend you report immediately for an interview and report your actions. I acknowledge and appreciate you for accepting."
The league announced that its investigation found that no insider information had been used or that any games had been compromised. Furthermore, there was no evidence that coaches, staff, teammates or other players knew about Ridley's betting.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that Ridley used his personal phone to make parley bets. Garafolo also revealed that Ridley's bets actually involved the Falcons, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.
Following news of his suspension, Ridley said on Twitter that he did not have a "gambling problem".
Ridley is eligible to file a petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023.
In a press release, the Falcons said they became aware of the investigation early last month and "fully cooperated."
"We are moving forward with the decision in the 2022 season," the team said. "With the decision made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the League Office."
Ridley's future in Atlanta was already uncertain as he left the club for most of the season to focus on his mental health. The team gave no indication when or whether Ridley planned to return in 2022.
Now the young receiver will be out for at least a year.
Ridley's contract will toll during the suspension, keeping him under contract in Atlanta until 2023 - if he is cleared to return. The suspension takes $11.116 million out of the Falcons' salary cap in 2022.