Fri, June 30, 2023

NFL suspends four players for violating league’s gambling policy

Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. None of the three can seek reinstatement until after next season.

Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans is suspended for the team's first six regular-season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility.

The Colts waived Rodgers and Berry following the announcement of their indefinite suspensions.

In a statement, their general manager Chris Ballard said: "We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league's gambling policy." 

"The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations."

ESPN reported that an online sportsbook account used by Rodgers placed more than 100 bets, including at least one wager involving the Colts.

Rodgers had issued a statement on June 5 saying he takes "full responsibility" for his actions.

"I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation," Rodgers wrote. "The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I've let people down that I care about.

"I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It's an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this."

The gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility, per the league.

The NFL is redoubling its efforts to reinforce the league's gambling policy to players in the wake of a rash of recent violations.

All rookies will now be required to attend mandatory education sessions, and a group of league officials is making in-person visits to team facilities to emphasize and clarify what activities are prohibited amid the rapid proliferation of sports gambling.

The six "key rules" that officials the NFL outlined are:

1. Don't bet on the NFL;
2. Don't gamble at your team facility, while traveling for a road game or staying at a team hotel;
3. Don't have someone bet for you;
4. Don't share team "inside information";
5. Don't enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season;
6. Don't play daily fantasy football.