NFL Star Calvin Ridley Cops Monster Ban After Being Caught Betting On Games
The lengthy suspension means the 27-year-old will also forfeit his entire US$11.1million (AU$15million) salary for the year.
One of the NFL's brightest stars will now be forced to watch his Atlanta Falcons side from the sidelines after he was caught betting on American football games.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL, meaning he'll miss at least the 2022 season.
The lengthy ban means the 27-year-old will also forfeit his entire US$11.1million (AU$15million) salary for the year.
When news first broke of Ridley's costly mistake, some fans jumped to conclusions and immediately assumed he had a punting issue.
But Ridley was quick to squash those rumours.
"I bet 1500 total I don't have a gambling problem," he tweeted.
"I couldn't even watch football at that point.
"Just gone be more healthy when I come back."
He added: "I know I was bring but I'm getting 1 year lol."
Respected NFL Insider Adam Schefter provided more details on the developing situation.
"NFL determined that Calvin Ridley placed multi-legged parlay bets involving 3, 5 and 8 games that included the Falcons to win, per source," Schefter tweeted.
"Investigation determined there was no involvement from any team players, coach etc. placed via his mobile device out of state.
"Multiple NFL teams reached out to the Falcons in recent weeks to inquire about trading for Calvin Ridley, and each time, Atlanta declined to enter into any talks out of good faith, knowing the issues in store for their standout wide receiver, per sources."
The NFL has confirmed that no inside information was used to make the bets, although it's understood Ridley was placing wagers on Falcons games.
League commissioner Roger Goodell penned an open letter to Ridley, saying: "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.
"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."
The reaction on social media was mixed with some people slamming Ridley while others felt sorry for him.
But it was The Ringer writer Rodger Sherman who perhaps summed the general feeling up best with his simple tweet.
"Calvin Ridley bet $1500 and lost $10 million, those are the worst odds in gambling history," Sherman wrote.
Ridley can petition for reinstatement on February 15, 2023.
Topics: American Football, Calvin Ridley, Betting, Gambling, NFL, Australia, Atlanta Falcons, Ban
Max Sherry