NFL suspends Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley for 2022 season for betting on games

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season, the league announced Monday.

The activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club’s facility on the non-football illness list.

A league investigation uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way. Nor was there evidence suggesting any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates or other players of his betting activity.

In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, Goodell wrote:

“There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success – and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league – than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.

“For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”

Ridley may petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023. Pursuant to the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, he may appeal his suspension by filing notice within three days.

The Falcons issued a statement that the team has known about the issue for a month.

“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9,” the team announced. “We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”

Said Ridley on Twitter: “I know I was wrong But I’m getting 1 year lol.”

Following the league’s announcement, multiple outlets reported Ridley made three parlay bets while in Florida and only bet the Falcons to win. Genius Sports, which is the NFL’s data and compliance partner, informed the NFL of the player-related gambling activity, reports said.

The parlay bets were three-, five- and eight-team win combinations, per reports.

In its statement, the NFL said there was no evidence that Ridley used inside information to place bets. There’s also no evidence that teammates or coaches were aware of his activity, the league said.

Ridley forfeits his 2022 salary of $11.1 million.

The wide receiver issued a series of tweets on Monday afternoon.

“I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem,” Ridley wrote. “I couldn’t even watch football at that point.”

“Just gone be more healthy when I come back,” he added.

On Oct. 31, Ridley announced that he was leaving the team to “focus on my mental well-being.” He had missed two games to that point for what the club called personal reasons.

Ridley played in five games (all starts) last season. He finished 2021 with 31 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

Since being selected No. 26 overall by the Falcons in the 2018 draft, Ridley has 248 catches for 3,342 yards and 28 TDs in 49 games (35 starts).