NFL suspends Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley for betting on games
ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in 2021.
The suspension announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday is for activity that took place while Ridley was away from the team addressing mental health concerns. The league says the suspension will carry “through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season.”
The NFL says the betting took place during a five-day period in late November 2021, but did not say where the wagers were placed. Ridley was placed on the non-football illness list following Week 8 last season, which ended Nov. 1.
Multiple Las Vegas sportsbook directors contacted by the Review-Journal said they had no knowledge of Ridley betting in their books.
Ridley wrote on his Twitter account on Monday “I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem.”
He also seemed to take a light-hearted approach to his suspension when he added in another post “I know I was wrong But I’m getting 1 year lol.” He also said “Just gone be more healthy when I come back.”
A league investigation uncovered no evidence inside information was used or that any game was compromised by Ridley’s betting, Goodell’s announcement said. Nor was there evidence suggesting Falcons coaches, players or staff were aware of Ridley’s betting activity.
Ridley may petition for reinstatement after Feb. 23, 2023.
During the offseason, the Falcons have had no update on Ridley’s status. The team released a statement Monday in which it said it cooperated with the league’s investigation in the last month.
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9,” the Falcons said in the statement. “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.”
Review-Journal sports betting reporter Todd Dewey contributed to this report.
