NFL Suspends Four More Players for Breaking Gambling Rules

Article ByDavid Weir

June 30, 2023

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Posted in: US Sports Betting News, Indiana Gambling News, US Gambling News

The National Football League (NFL) has imposed suspensions on four players for breaching the league’s gambling policy, the league announced in a statement on Thursday.

Three players, Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts, and free agent Demetrius Taylor, were served indefinite bans until at least the end of the season.

Nicholas Petit-Frere from the Tennessee Titans will be suspended for his team’s first six regular season games.

The NFL statement said that its “gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility, per the league.”

Full Responsibility

Following the announcement of their suspensions, the Colts released Rodgers and Berry. The players can apply for reinstatement after the 2023 season concludes.

Petit-Frere is eligible to participate in all off-season and preseason activities, including preseason games, up to the start of his six-game regular season suspension.

Rodgers was reportedly found to have placed more than 100 bets at one particular online sportsbook, sources close to the investigation told ESPN. That included bets on the NFL and at least one wager on his own team.

The NFL did not find any evidence of game manipulation from any parties during its investigation.

Significant Consequences

In response to the suspensions, Colts general manager Chris Ballard emphasized the league’s commitment to sporting integrity.

“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” he said. “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization, we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”

Rodgers, meanwhile, made a full apology earlier in June after the NFL announced he was under investigation.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Petit-Frere also apologized for his violations. He was guilty of placing bets at an NFL team facility, but in a regulated state market and not on any NFL games.

“We believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization,” said a statement from the Tennessee Titans. “We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”

The NFL’s Stance on Gambling

The NFL’s gambling policy, which is reviewed annually with all league personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any team or league facility or venue, including the practice facility. Any betting on the NFL is strictly prohibited.

This latest development follows a string of gambling suspensions in 2023.

On April 21, the league imposed bans on Detroit Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill, and safety C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.

Out of all nine players punished this year, only Petit-Frere, Williams, and Toney have been kept on by their clubs. The rest have seen their contracts terminated.

Last week, we reported that insiders close to the NFL’s compliance team didn’t have much confidence in the current system used to educate players on gambling rules.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association also took action on the sometimes-controversial relationship between sports players and sports betting this week. It published new guidelines and a more nuanced list of disciplinary measures for college athletes found breaking its rules.