Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor have been suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season.
It was announced on Wednesday that a 'handful' of players were at risk of suspension, with Rodgers identified as one of the candidates after apologising for his wrongdoing previously. The NFL confirmed on Thursday that three players have been hit by the bans, for violating their strict rules.
"The NFL confirmed today that three players have been indefinitely suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy," The NFL wrote in a statement. "One other player was suspended six games.
"Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
"Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans is suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility. He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games.
"The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility." Rodgers acknowledged this investigation earlier this month, with the NFL determining whether he's placed bets on games that the Colts have participated in.
The NFL announced last week that they will reinforce the gambling policy to players, with all rookies required to attend mandatory education sessions. Calvin Ridley, CJ Moore, Quintez Cephus, and Shaka Toney have already been hit with one-year bans inside the past two offseasons, after betting on the NFL.
Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were both banned for only six games, for placing bets at work but not on the NFL. Cephus, Moore and Berryhill were all released by the Detroit Lions as a result of the discipline, and Ridley left the Atlanta Falcons before making the move to the Jacksonville Jaguars - and has since been reinstated.
The NFL stands by six 'key rules' when it comes to gambling, something they're set to remind players with as a group of league officials will be making in-person visits to team facilities. The six rules state that players can't:
- Bet on the NFL.
- Gamble at your team facility, while traveling for a road game or staying at a team hotel.
- Have someone bet for you.
- Share team "inside information."
- Enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season.
- Play daily fantasy football.
