Atlanta Falcons wide out Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely, or at least through the 2022 campaign, for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. The league announced its decision on Monday.
The league stated the Ridley bet on NFL games this past season, during a five-day period in November of 2021. During that time, he was away from the organization on the reserve non-football illness list.
The NFL said they had no evidence that Ridley used inside information, or “that any game was compromised in any way.” There was no indication that any of the Falcons coaches, staff or teammates had any knowledge of his betting activity.
The Falcons released the following statement on the actions taken against Ridley.
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions,” the Falcons said in a statement. “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.”
The NFL, it its announcement, included what
commissioner Rodger Goodell wrote to Ridley, informing him about his suspension:
“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.
“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.”
Ridley will have to wait until February 15, 2023 to apply for reinstatement into the league, according to the NFL. He also has the right to appeal the suspension, by filing notice within three days, per the collective bargaining agreement. At this time, it is not known whether he has appealed the punishment.
Minutes after the NFL’s announcement, Ridley took to social media. He confirmed that he bet on games, but claims he only bet $1500 and that he does not have a gambling problem.
Ridley played in just five games for the Falcons last season, leaving the team on October 31 to work on his mental health. He was drafted No. 26 overall in 2018, has 248 catches for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns over four seasons. The Falcons picked up his fifth year option for the 2022 season last spring.
Multiple franchises contacted the Falcons in recent weeks to inquire about the services of Ridley, and each time, Atlanta declined to enter into any talks out of good faith, knowing the issues in store for their standout wide receiver, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
