The NFL announced Friday a new set of punishments for players found guilty of violating the league’s rules on sports betting participation and discretion.
based less on discretion than they had been previously
The standards were reached with the help of the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Decisions regarding punishments will now be based less on discretion than they had been previously.
The punishments for various infractions are as follows.
- Betting on NFL games not involving the player’s team: at least one year suspension.
- Betting on NFL games involving the player’s team: at least two years suspension.
- Betting on non-NFL events from the team facility: two games suspension for the first violation, six games for the second, and at least one year for the third.
- Attempting to fix games: Expulsion from the NFL.
- Sharing sensitive/inside information: at least one year suspension.
- Third-party/proxy betting: at least one year suspension.
Players will be able to appeal their suspensions just as they can with other charges.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the 2022 season after he was found to have placed several bets, including parlays involving his then-team, the Atlanta Falcons, while he was away from the team.
Several players are also currently serving suspensions for gambling infractions. Ex-Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. was suspended and subsequently released after he was found to have placed hundreds of bets, including those involving his team and from the team facility.
Rodgers signed with the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of August but cannot apply for reinstatement until 2024.
Several other players, including Detroit Lions wideout Jameson Williams and Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike are also on the list of players that are dealing with the fallout from sports betting.