The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was quick to take control of the situation surrounding his 1-year suspension for betting on NFL games. The league did release a statement about his ineligibility to play next season after he bet on games for 5 days during November 2021. Ridley had made the best during his time on the non-football injury listing period. He had taken over concerns about mental health issues.
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The Falcons wideout was struggling with his off-the-field issues and had taken a break from football. On Monday, the WR released a series of tweets addressing all the rumors that were on social media channels. While talking about the accusations, he states, “I don’t have a gambling problem.”
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The wideout has informed his fans of being committed to coming back in better health and was surprised at the length of the suspension.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, the league found out about his betting activities through internal sources within the industry. It seems Ridley did bet on other sports leagues like the NBA. The NFL has no policies to stop players from indulging in such practices.
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The NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also wrote a letter to Ridley regarding his suspension. In the letter, Goodell, while describing the Falcons’ receiver’s actions, states that he was putting the integrity of the game in danger. Goodell also reportedly warned the Falcons wideout about his actions resulting in damaging the reputation of the game and his fellow players. While considering his violation was worthy of sanctions, Goodell did applaud Ridley for coming forward and admitting his mistakes.
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The statement seems to be contradictory as the league’s investigation didn’t uncover the use of any information that might be compromising. The Falcons wide receiver can contest the decision in three days according to the collective bargaining agreement.
He can notify the league about his appeal, but nothing has been heard from the player’s representatives.
I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
He becomes only the second player to be suspended after Cardinals defensive back Josh Shaw for betting on NFL games. The situation leaves the Falcons with only rookie WR Frank Darby as another player in that position. It might be a developing situation between the player and the league as the Falcons organization has a mountain for the upcoming season to climb.
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