On Thursday, the NFL handed out suspensions to four players for breaking its gambling rules.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, reserve tight end Rashod Berry, and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor, who appeared in one game for the Detroit Lions in 2020, were all suspended for at least a year in 2022 for betting on N.F.L. games.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere was given a six-game ban for engaging in off-field gambling. He will be able to take part in all preseason and training camp activities.
A league spokeswoman for the National Football League refused to discuss the nature of the inquiry or how the league learned of the players’ infractions.
The Rodgers camp did not respond to requests for comment. There was no quick response to calls for comment from representatives of Taylor, Berry, or Petit-Frere.
These punishments represented a second round of bans for the whole season within a space of two months. Seven National Football League players have earned two-year bans during the time when pro football and other major sports have welcomed legalised betting income.
The National Football League indefinitely penalised Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus, Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, and safety C.J. Moore in April after an inquiry revealed that all three had placed wagers on NFL games in 2022. All of them, like those who were suspended recently, may ask for reinstatement when the 2023 season is over.
Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams, both receivers with the Lions, were fined six games apiece for gambling offences, which the organisation said included wagering on non-NFL events from an NFL facility.
Calvin Ridley, a receiver with the Atlanta Falcons, was banned for the 2021–2022 season in March 2022 for engaging in sports betting while he was away from the team to work on his mental health. He was reinstated after a year, and in September of this year, he’ll make his NFL debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Employees are not permitted to gamble on or assist others in betting on any National Football League game, practise, or other event (including the draught) per league policy. While players are free to wager on games in other sports, they are not permitted to gamble while on the clock or in the course of official league business.
N.F.L. VP of communications, public relations, and policy Jeff Miller spoke with reporters in June about the league’s attempts to inform players about its gambling policy. New players must attend mandatory rule meetings, and N.F.L. representatives have visited clubs to stress the restrictions on gambling.
