The Atlanta Falcons took a blow today when the NFL announced that they were banning one of their star players, Calvin Ridley. He has been suspended for the 2022 season because he was caught gambling on games in the 2021 season. The NFL released a statement about the gambling and they pointed out that he was betting on games during a five-day stretch back in November of 2021. He was on the non-football injured list and was taking care of some mental health issues during that time.
Sports: Ridley’s Leave of Absence
Back around Halloween of 2021, Ridley told coaches and the NFL that he needed to get things in his personal life taken care of. On Monday, after the announcement of his suspension was made, he took to Twitter to share his thoughts. He wrote, “I don’t have a gambling problem.” Although, it looks as if he did bet around $1,500 on games during his time off. He added, “I know I was wrong but I’m getting 1 year lol.”
Sports: Calvin Ridley Banned for Betting on Football Games
The NFL’s statement read, “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 follow players throughout the NFL.”
It went on, “For decades, gambling on NFLÂ 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 admitting your actions.”
The NFL did investigate to determine that Ridley had no inside information that would have helped him win these bets. There was also no evidence that the Falcons coaches or teammates knew anything about what he was doing.
Ridley will be suspended until February 15, 2023. He can appeal the suspension as well. The Falcons made a statement as well. They told the press, “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on February 9.We have cooperated fully with the investigation. 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.”
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