Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games. His suspension will take him out of action for the 2022 season.
Falcons Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley Suspended Indefinitely for Betting on NFL Games
The NFL announced the suspension earlier this afternoon but an investigation into the regulation infraction began in February and the Falcons were notified of it on Wednesday, February 9. According to the NFL, Calvin Ridley gambled on games during the 2021 season for five days in late November. He had just played five games during the 2021 season.
At the time, the wide receiver was on the reserve list. On Sunday, October 31, Ridley announced that he was stepping away from football for mental health reasons. He was placed on the reverse list five days later.
The Atlanta Falcons would address the suspension via a statement:
“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. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell wrote a letter both notifying Calvin Ridley of the suspension and commending on cooperating with the investigation. In the letter, he pointed out how important it was to uphold the reputation of the League and how betting on games while active in the League has always been frowned upon.
While Ridley admitted wrongdoing, he has the option to appeal the suspension. Ridley can also wait until February 15, 2023, and apply to be reinstated.
Ridley may apply for reinstatement to the league starting on Feb. 15, 2023. He also has a right to appeal the suspension. The suspension shaves over $11 million off of the team’s salary cap, according to an NFL.com report.
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