First NFL player busted for betting on games, faces massive suspension

The explosion of legalized sports gambling has caught up to the NFL.

The league, which has partnerships with all kinds of sports betting outlets, has its first major scandal on its hands. Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended for “at least the 2022 season” after betting on NFL games in the 2021 season.

The NFL said in a release the activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 when Ridley was not with the Falcons.

NFL statement on the year-long suspension of Falcons’ WR Calvin Ridley: pic.twitter.com/mQZm5dGgPO

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2022

According to the Action Network, sports gambling is legal in more than two dozen states, but some of that is only in-person betting. Sports gambling is not legal in Georgia, although it’s unclear where Ridley was when he bet on games.

While this was bound to happen at some point, it should be a major lesson to other NFL players. Gambling on games is simply not worth it, and you will likely get caught. The fact Ridley wasn’t permanently banned from the league is a little bit surprising.

The disgraced wideout can apply for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2023.

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