Wide receiver for Atlanta Falcons Calvin Ridley has been caught gambling on NFL games. According to the NFL claims of the wide receiver gambling, he now faces suspension during the 2021 season.
A statement following Ridley’s suspension Monday, the Atlanta Falcons expressed,
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on 9. Since receiving notice, we have cooperated fully with the investigation and supported the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
“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.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Ridley.
Being an outsider can be hard to know what’s what. When the NFL launched their investigation, no evidence compromised any games by his actions.
After The NFL reported Ridley’s suspension, the player tweeted,
“I bet 1500 total. I don’t have a gambling problem.” Along with
“I know I was wrong, But I’m getting one year lol” and “If you know me, you know my character.”
Somehow it was pieced together as the league spoke on the issue and came to the conclusion the gambling allegedly took place for five days in November 2021. Ridley was not with the team as he was away from the club’s establishment.
Before the incident, on October 31, the ball star announced he was stepping away from the Falcons for personal reasons.
during this time, Ridley wrote,
“These past few weeks have been very challenging, and as much as I’d like to be on the field competing with my teammates, I need to step away from football at this time and focus on my mental wellbeing. This will help me be the best version of myself now and in the future. I want to thank my teammates, the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, our great fans, my friends, and my family for all of their support during this time.”
In a statement following news of Ridley’s suspension Monday, the Atlanta Falcons said
Year after year, the NFL Lets the players Know They can not bet on games. It does not count that the league is in partnership with gambling and betting companies. The league’s gambling policy for NFL personnel is transparent about what is prohibited.
The policy states: “All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third-party on any NFL game, practice or other events. This includes betting on game outcome, statistics, scores, the performance of any individual participant or any kind of “proposition bet” on which wagering is offered.”
This is a sensitive matter. Ridley would be able to apply for reinstatement to the league on February 15, 2023. the good news is that He has a right to appeal the suspension.
The star played only five games for the Falcons before he stepped away from the team on October 31, saying in a statement that he was doing so to work on his mental health. He was placed on the NFI list on November 5.
Ridley drafted No. 26 in 2018 and has 248 receptions for 3,342 yards with 28 touchdowns over four seasons. Ridley won two national championships at the University of Alabama and was a first-round draft pick for the Falcons in 2018.
The NFL stated that the suspension would last at least throughout the 2022 season.
