Can NFL players bet on games? Evidently not, as Calvin Ridley was just suspended for doing so by the league itself.
Ridley was suspended for a year after placing several bets while he was injured. Per reports, Ridley did not bet against the Falcons, and did not gamble while he was playing in said games.
Nonetheless, the NFL is taking a hard line here. Despite their numerous partnerships with gambling companies across the country, players are not allowed to bet on games, especially those their team is taking part in. Look no further than Pete Rose in MLB as to why that is the case.
Whether it’s fair or not, the standard has been set.
Can NFL players bet on games?
No, the answer is that simple:
“All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third-party, on any NFL game, practice or other event,” the official NFL rulebook says.
Fair or not, Ridley will have to serve out his suspension and miss the Falcons’ 2022 campaign.
What happened to Calvin Ridley?
Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season after betting on NFL games during his departure due to injury.
Where did Calvin Ridley go to college?
Ridley attended the University of Alabama before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons. He’s now one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.