NFL announces suspension of four players for gambling policy violations

The NFL announced the suspension of four players on Thursday due to violating the league’s gambling policy. Three players will be suspended for the entire 2023 season, while another player will be suspended for six games for placing bets on non-NFL games at the team’s facility.

The players who received season-long suspensions are Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, defensive end Rashod Berry and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor.

They are required to sit out the entirety of the 2023 season before being eligible for reinstatement. The league confirmed they had placed wagers on NFL games during the previous season.

Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is handed a six-game suspension for his involvement in placing bets on non-NFL games while at the team’s facility.

In response to these disciplinary actions, the Colts announced that they had waived both Rodgers and Berry from their roster.

“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a press release.

“The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”

On June 5, the Colts acknowledged an ongoing investigation into an unnamed player, which was later revealed to be Rodgers.

According to ESPN, Rodgers had utilized an online sportsbook account to place over 100 bets, including at least one wager involving the Colts.

Rodgers has since expressed remorse for his actions via Twitter, taking full responsibility for his mistakes and expressing his commitment to rectify the situation. He acknowledged his behavior’s effect on the Colts organization, his coaches, teammates and others close to him.

“I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this,” said Rodgers.

Petit-Frere also issued a similar apology to his family, coaches, teammates and Titans fans for his actions.

Ongoing problem

Earlier in the offseason, five other players had already faced suspensions for violating the league’s gambling policies.

On April 21, the NFL issued indefinite suspensions through at least the 2023 season to three players who were found to have bet on NFL games — defensive end Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions.

Two Lions wide receivers, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, were suspended for six games for placing sports bets that did not involve NFL teams. The Lions subsequently released Cephus, Moore and Berryhill.

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, was suspended for the entire previous season due to gambling on NFL games. He was later traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars during last year’s trade deadline. The league officially reinstated him in March.

Rodgers, on the other hand, had gained recognition as a sixth-round pick primarily for his contributions as a kick returner. Following his nine starts last season, he was expected to play a significant role in the Indianapolis secondary after the team traded top cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys.

As Rodgers is now suspended, first-year coach Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley may have to rely on second-round rookie Julius Brents to assume a starting role on the outside.