Ridley suspended at least 1 season for betting on NFL games
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the entire 2022 season and possibly longer for betting on NFL games, the league announced Monday.
The NFL said Ridley gambled during a five-day period in late November 2021 while he was on the non-football illness list and away from the Falcons. The league said it found no evidence to suggest that Ridley had any inside information or that any games were compromised.
"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 wrote in a letter to Ridley. "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 stepped away from the Falcons in late October, saying he needed to address his mental health. He never returned, and trade rumors began percolating near the end of the season.
While teams had inquired about his availability in recent weeks, Atlanta declined to enter into talks out of good faith because it had been informed of his situation, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The NFL determined that Ridley placed parlay bets involving three, five, and eight games and bet on the Falcons to win, a source told Schefter. He placed his wagers through a legal gambling app in Florida with his mobile device, and the app notified the NFL's compliance company about his activity, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.
"We were first made aware of the league's investigation on Feb. 9," the Falcons said in a statement. "We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league's findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. ... Any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office."
Ridley posted 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, emerging as the Falcons' top wideout while Julio Jones missed games due to injury. The 27-year-old had 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns across five appearances in 2021 before taking his leave of absence.
Ridley denied having a gambling problem after the NFL announced his suspension and indicated he'll resume his playing career in the future.
I bet 1500 total I don't have a gambling problem
- CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Just gone be more healthy when I come back
- CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
He also seemed to take issue with the length of his suspension:
I know I was wrong But I'm getting 1 year lol
- CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Ridley won't be eligible to apply for reinstatement until Feb. 15, 2023, at the earliest. He has three days to file an appeal.
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