Calvin Ridley suspended for gambling
Calvin Ridley was suspended for gambling on March 7, 2022. The NFL announced that wide receiver Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons had been suspended indefinitely for speculating on NFL games during the 2021 season.
For decades, betting on NFL games has been seen as one of the most severe infractions of league code, deserving of the harshest punishment.
Ridley is the second NFL player to be punished for betting on games since the court paved the way for all states to participate and legalize sports betting in 2018.
Calvin Ridley was suspended for gambling until at least the end of the 2022 season. When Ridley went on the non-football injury list in November 2021 to address his mental health, he bet on games for five days.
On Halloween, Ridley announced his retirement from football, stating that he wanted to get his personal life back on track.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, the NFL learned of Ridley’s betting activity through its legal sports betting industry connections.
The league stated that no inside knowledge was used. Therefore, any game was harmed as a result of its inquiry. There was also no proof that Ridley’s betting was known by his coaches, staff, colleagues, or other teammates.
Aftereffects of suspension:
According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Calvin Ridley’s conduct jeopardized the game’s integrity, harmed public trust in professional football, and might jeopardize the reputations of his teammates throughout the league.
According to the NFL, after Calvin Ridley was suspended for gambling, he may ask for reinstatement as early as February 15, 2023.
Multiple NFL clubs have approached the Falcons in recent weeks to ask about dealing for Ridley. Each time, Atlanta has resisted in good faith, knowing the challenges that await its star wide receiver, according to Schefter.
The Falcons have stated that they are planning for the 2022 season as though Ridley would not be playing.
According to Jordan Schultz, several teams, including the Patriots and Browns, have expressed interest in Ridley. It’s safe to assume that if the Falcons decide to trade Ridley, the market for him will be vital.
By: Bahaar Abdullah