The NFL has announced the suspension for at least the 2022 season of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for betting in the league’s games during a five-day period in late November 2021 while he was away from the team.
#Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended a year for gambling on NFL games during the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2022
In late October, Ridley took a leave of absence because of some personal and mental health issues he needed to focus on. It was in this time away that the claims happened.
Following comes from NFL Commissioner Roger Godell on a letter he sent to Ridley.
“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. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.”
Ridley can ask for reinstatement after February 15 when the regular season is over. He also can appeal his suspension by filing notice within three days.
