ATLANTA — The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely “through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the move Monday afternoon, saying Ridley had bet on NFL games in the 2021 season.
“The activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club’s facility on the non-football illness list,” a news release said.
The NFL said a league investigation found no evidence that inside information was used, and no games were compromised.
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In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, Goodell wrote:
“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.”
The Atlanta Falcons released a statement, saying:
“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. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made.”
Ridley has to wait until Feb. 15, 2023, to petition for reinstatement. The NFL said he also has three days to appeal his suspension.
Ridley posted a series of tweets in reaction to his suspension:
“I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem.”
“If you know me you know my character.”
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