An Indianapolis Colts player allegedly violated the league’s gambling policy, even placing bets on his own team, per reports.
The NFL takes its gambling policy very seriously, despite sports betting being made legal in several states around the country.
However, one Indianapolis Colts player broke said rules, and will now find out the punishment the hard way, assuming said allegations are proven correct via a league investigation.
UPDATE: ESPN has identified the player being investigated as cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, per sources.
Said Colts player is hardly the first player to violate the league’s policy, with Calvin Ridley and Jameson Williams receiving some of the more severe suspensions in NFL history. Ridley missed a full season with the Atlanta Falcons before he was then dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The NFL is investigating this separate incident, per the initial report.
Indianapolis Colts player suspended for gambling
The Indianapolis Colts, which went 4-12-1 last season, will now be down a man. A Colts player reportedly placed ‘hundreds’ of bets, including some involving his own team, an act that is especially frowned upon in the world of sports.
The first outlet to report said allegation was Sports Handle.
What is the NFL’s gambling policy?
Per ESPN, “NFL personnel, which includes league-office employees, team employees, players, owners, coaches, trainers, officials, security and stadium workers, among others, are prohibited from “placing, soliciting or facilitating any bet, whether directly or through a third party,” on any NFL game, practice or other league event, such as the draft or combine.”
The most recent wave of suspensions involved Jameson Williams, a former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions. Safety C.J. Moore and wide receiver Quintez Cephus received indefinite suspensions. Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game bans for betting on non-NFL action.
How many NFL players have been suspended for gambling?
Prior to said Colts violation, six NFL players were recently suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. Considering the NFL’s recent crackdown on gambling, they will hardly be the last.
We’ll have more information on this investigation as its made public.