Atlanta Falcons’ Calvin Ridley Suspended by NFL for Betting on Games

The NFL has suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley after he allegedly placed wagers on games.

According to the NFL, Ridley placed bets during a five-day period in November, during which he was not at team facilities. The league says no inside information was used to make the wagers.

“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,” commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Ridley notifying him of the 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 has three days to appeal the decision or become eligible for reinstatement in Feb. 2023.