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NFL Player Receives Heavy Punishment for Serious Drug Violations, Weeks After League Suspends Three Players for Betting

Published 05/03/2023, 10:04 AM EDT

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The NFL recently announced the suspension of free agent defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe for serious drug violations. Bledsoe’s second time breaking the rules, with his first violation resulting in a six-game suspension. So what caused his most recent breach of the policy? The league has yet to disclose any specifics.

Bledsoe’s recent suspension isn’t an isolated incident. In fact, the NFL is cracking down on all violations, including betting, which has led to the suspension of three other players. With the league taking such a strong stance on drug violations and gambling, it’s clear that the NFL is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the game.

Amani Bledsoe receives heavy punishment

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Amani Bledsoe has been penalized with a heavy punishment for breaching the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Bledsoe had previously served a six-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy, during the 2022 season. But there is no detail about what substance led to his most recent violation.

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A recent tweet reveals his suspension of the first 17 weeks of the 2023 regular season. Tweet states, “Free agent DE Amani Bledsoe has been suspended for the first 17 weeks of the 2023 NFL regular season. Bledsoe previously served a 6-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy.”

Bledsoe’s availability in the regular season is limited to only the final game and playoffs, assuming he joins a team that makes it to the postseason. During last season, he was part of Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad and did not participate in any games. In 2021, Bledsoe played five games for Tennessee Titans, while in 2020 he featured in 14 games for Cincinnati Bengals. His NFL career stats include 18 tackles and three passes defended.

The NFL maintains a strict stance against drug violations and gambling. The recent suspension of Bledsoe and three other players for betting serves as a testament to the league’s unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the game.

NFL suspended three players for betting

It was the largest group of penalties for gambling violations in 60 years, with three players being banned for the entire 2023 season. However, the league is also trying to maintain the public’s trust that football games are fair and unbiased, despite the vast sums of money wagered on them.

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The NFL did not release any specifics about the bets placed by these players or how the violations were discovered. The league’s investigation did not uncover any evidence of inside information being used or any games being compromised in any way. The players who were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games are Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of Washington Commanders. These athletes may ask the league to reinstate them following the 2023 season.

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The NFL’s strict stance against drug violations and gambling are apparent in Bledsoe’s suspension and the recent punishment of five other players for betting. The league’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the game are commendable, even as it collaborates with bookmakers to encourage gambling.

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Written by:

Satya Prakash Rajkiran

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Satya Prakash Rajkiran is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. Rising from a kind beginning and with his graduation in English Literature, Rajkiran is a writing enthusiast. With his kind interest in Football, Rajkiran is inspired by the play style of the Detroit Lions.
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