NFL Suspends Atlanta Falcons Receiver Calvin Ridley for Betting on Games

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Atlanta Falcons wide receiver has been suspended for at least the 2022 season for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season, he announced on Monday.

Commissioner Calls Out Falcons Receiver

The league sent out a release detailing Ridley’s gambling. According to the NFL, Ridley placed bets on NFL games during a five-day period in November when he was away from the team because he was on the non-football illness list.

"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,” Goodell wrote in a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension. “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.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."

Ridley is allowed to petition for reinstatement on or after Feb. 15, 2023. He may also appeal his suspension by filing notice within three days.

Per the NFL’s release, there was no evidence indicating “any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way,” and that no other members in the organization were aware Ridley was betting on games.

Ridley tweeted he gambled $1,500 total and wrote, “I don’t have a gambling problem.”

Falcons Cooperating With Investigation

The Atlanta Falcons released a statement, noting they were made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9.

“We have fully cooperated with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions,” the Falcons said. “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 in the investigation should be directed to the league office.”

Ridley played in only five games for the Falcons in 2021. He stepped away from the team on Oct. 31, citing he was taking time to work on his mental health. He did not return and was placed on the NFL list on Nov. 5.