Well… that’s not good.
This past NFL season, former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced mid-season that he would be stepping away from football to work on his mental health.
With that being said, the NFL has now suspended Ridley a year for betting on games, according to NFLTR.
Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote:
“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 promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”
He will reportedly forfeit his entire 2022 salary of over $11 million.
Ridley can appeal for reinstatement no later than February 13, 2023. He can also appeal the suspension.
The former first-round pick from Alabama appeared in just five games for the Falcons in 2021, catching 31 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns before stepping away.
Since his rookie season in 2018, he has amassed 248 receptions for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns.
The Falcons released a statement as well:
“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on February 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions.
We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
UPDATE: Calvin Ridley Speaks
In a series of tweets Calvin Ridley has argued that he only bet $1500 bucks, and he almost implies that it wasn’t on football:
He also says that he’ll come back healthy (whenever that may be):
