Calvin Ridley Suspended for Upcoming Season Due to Gambling on Games

Atlanta Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley has been suspended by the NFL for at least the upcoming 2022 season, after news surfaced that he was betting on games during a five-day period back in November 2021.

During that time, Ridley was on the non-football injury list due to concerns over his mental health. He would remain sidelined for the rest of the season as both his teammates and the NFL community respected his requested time away from the game. However, according to sources close to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Ridley placed multilegged parlay bets on multiple teams, including one on his Falcons.

I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem

— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022

The league has long held gambling as a major offense, with notable players such as Hall of Famer Paul Hornung being suspended in the past. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had this to say: “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.”

Thus far, the NFL noted that there is no evidence that Ridley had any insider knowledge “that any game was compromised in any way,” nor were any players, coaches or staff on the Falcons aware of the bets. Although transparent about the issue, the young Falcons star took to Twitter noting that he only bet $1,500 USD and that he doesn’t see it as a larger gambling problem. Twitter, in characteristic fashion, had other things to say.

Calvin Ridley checking Fan Duel after every Falcons loss pic.twitter.com/XWCGb51Jxa

— Writer (@terxme) March 7, 2022

Calvin Ridley taking a break while also hitting on a nine team parlay pic.twitter.com/bV9v8ZBQHb

— Joe CEO (@joe_thom1998) March 7, 2022

Atlanta is hopeful in the continued progression of tight end Kyle Pitts and the do-it-all utility in Cordarelle Patterson, however, the loss of Ridley further spotlights the lack of talent for an already struggling team.

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