Calvin Ridley, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, has been suspended for at least the 2022 season for gambling on NFL games.
Ridley, 26, bet on games during a five-day period in late November while away from the team due to personal reasons, the NFL announced on Monday. The earliest Ridley can apply for reinstatement is Feb. 15, 2023.
“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,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “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.”
It continued, “For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction,” the league continued in the letter. “In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”
According to Adam Schefter, Ridley “placed multi-legged parlay bets involving 3, 5 and 8 games that included the Falcons to win. Investigation determined there was no involvement from any team players, coach etc. Placed via his mobile device out of state.”
In response to the news, Ridley took to Twitter, claiming he does not "have a gambling problem."
“I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem,” he wrote. “I couldn’t even watch football at that point. Just gone be healthy when I come back.”
An official Falcons statement was also issued.