On Monday, the NFL announced that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley had been suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season. Ridley has been suspended until at least the end of the 2022 season.

Reason

The NFL revealed that Ridley placed bets five times in late November 2021 while he was on a non-football illness list and away from the team’s facilities. In 2021, the former first-round pick only appeared in five games before leaving the team to focus on his “mental health.”

NFL’s Commissioner Statement

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter notifying Ridley of the suspension: “Upholding the integrity of the game is fundamental to the NFL’s success and the reputation of everyone associated with the NFL.”

Everyone employed by the league is responsible for this, including players, coaches, owners, and officials. Through your actions, you have potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow NFL players, undermined public confidence in professional football, and damaged the integrity of the game.

For decades, betting on NFL games has been considered one of the most serious offenses that warrant the most severe consequence. In your case, I commend you for your prompt reporting for an interview, as well as for admitting your actions.”

League Investigation

According to the league, no inside information was used, and no game was harmed by its investigation. There was also no proof that Ridley’s betting was known by his coaches, staff, colleagues, or other teammates.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Ridley used his phone to place parlay bets. Garafolo also reported that Ridley’s wagers did involve the Falcons, per a source with knowledge of the investigation.