NFL Reportedly Investigating Colts’ Isaiah Rodgers for Possible Gambling Violations

June 6, 2023

An Indianapolis Colts player is under investigation for “pervasive wagering activities,” according to a report on Monday from the Sports Handle. The Colts later confirmed that one of their players was indeed the focus of an investigation into a potential violation of the NFL’s gambling rules. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers confirmed that he was that target of the investigation in a statement.

“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

According to the report, Rodgers placed hundreds of wagers, and some of those bets were on the Colts. Most of his wagers were in the $25 to $50 range, but he did have some bets in the low four-figures.

“We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and we will have no further comment at this time,” said a Colts official.

Possible Punishment for Rodgers

Six weeks ago, the NFL suspended five players for violating the league’s gambling rules, including four members of the Detroit Lions. Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was suspended for six games for placing bets on sports other than the NFL, but while at the team facility.

Williams says he did not know that what he did was a violation, and a report in The Athletic says that many of the league’s players don’t know that placing any bet at a team facility is a violation of the NFL’s rules.

Betting on actual NFL games, however, is far less ambiguous. It’s why former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for an entire season, and was only reinstated after he petitioned the commissioner’s office. He is now a Jacksonville Jaguar.

Like the reports on Rodgers, Ridley placed bets on his own team. But unlike Rodgers, Ridley was not an active member of the team when he placed those bets. He was on a leave of absence to address his mental health, and that is when he placed the improper wagers.

The bets in question for Rodgers all took place in 2022 and 2023, and when he was practicing with the team and playing in games. He started nine games last season.

Rodgers was a sixth round pick in 2020 and is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract. Rodgers enters the summer as an expected full-time starter for the Colts in 2023, and he’s due $2.7 million. But the final year of his rookie contract is not guaranteed, and the Colts could move on without any salary cap penalty.