Isaiah Rodgers is expected to receive a season-long suspension for violating the NFL's policy on gambling, but he isn't the only one.
Suspensions from gambling-related violations are becoming more common in the NFL, and the league are keen to tighten the rules and put a stop to it all together. A 'handful' of NFL players are set to be suspended alongside the Indianapolis Colts cornerback and kick returner - according to ESPN.
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 all been handed one-year bans within 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. Ridley made the move to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline in November, and was reinstated to play back in March.
"Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions," Rodgers wrote in an apology tweet, ahead of the final ruling. "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 organisation, 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 honour to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this." Rodgers will be joined by a 'handful' of other players, who have all been found guilty of violating rules.
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.
It's not just the NFL, as a host of major sports leagues are dealing with issues as online gambling becomes easier than ever. But action is being taken to stop repeat incidents, and prevent new ones.
