(Atlanta) For endangering the integrity of the sport by betting games, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended by the NFL until at least the next season.
Posted on March 7
Ridley won’t play in 2022 and there are no guarantees for Ridley’s future in the NFL. He was tipped to be the receiver most targeted by quarterback Matt Ryan next year.
The suspension announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday came as Ridley is sidelined with his team to deal with his mental health. The league said the suspension will extend “at least until the end of the 2022 season”.
The NFL announced that betting took place in a space of five days towards the end of November 2021. Ridley was placed on the non-football-related injured list after week eight of action, which ended concluded on 1is November.
“I bet $1500 total, I don’t have a gambling problem,” Ridley tweeted.
He doesn’t seem to mind the suspension too much given the post he shared afterwards: “I know I’m wrong but it’s only been a year haha. I will only be healthier when I come back.”
The league’s investigation found no evidence that inside information was used or that any games were compromised by Ridley’s bets, Goodell said in a statement.
There was no evidence to suggest that Falcons coaches, players or staff were made aware of the situation.
Ridley can apply to be reinstated after February 23, 2023.
During the offseason, the Falcons gave no update on Ridley’s condition. The team released a statement Monday saying it worked with the league last month for the purposes of the investigation.
“We have been made aware of the steps taken by the league on February 9,” reads the Falcons press release. We have fully cooperated since that notice and support the league’s award and actions.
“We are moving forward for the new season by accepting the judgment rendered. As the decision has been made by the NFL, please send all further questions about the investigation to the league office. »