Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season. | Twitter
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season. | Twitter
Atlanta Falcons star receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season after investigators found he bet on league games during the 2021 season.
A FOX 5 Atlanta report Monday highlighted the move, featuring a statement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell claiming Ridley’s actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football and potentially undermined the reputations of other players in the NFL.
"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,” the statement read. “This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league.”
According to the report, the league said the allegations occurred in November 2021 while Ridley was away from the team. Ridley played in five games that season, missing much of the season after taking a leave of absence to focus on his mental health.
There has been no reported evidence that Ridley used inside information or that any game was compromised, the report stated. Coaches, staff, teammates, and other players were not involved.
Ridley responded to the suspension on Twitter.
“I bet $1,500 total, I don’t have a gambling problem,” Ridley said in one tweet.
“I know I was wrong, but I’m getting 1 year lol,” he said in another.
Ridley can appeal the suspension and is eligible to apply for reinstatement after Feb. 15, 2023.
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