Calvin Ridley responds to his year-long suspension from the NFL
Calvin Ridley only appeared in five games last season with the Atlanta Falcons, citing mental health concerns for him landing on the non-football injury list on November 5. Now, the NFL has issued Ridley a one-year suspension due to gambling on games.
On Sunday, the day before his suspension was announced, Ridley tweeted a cryptic message, which is likely related to the news that was announced on Monday.
“I learn from my Ls,” Ridley tweeted.
This past season, Ridley played in five games, bringing in 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He was a Second Team All-Pro in 2020 after hauling in 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Ridley caught at least 63 passes with over 800 yards in each of his first two years in the league.
Ridley’s future with the Falcons was in question entering this offseason. He was viewed as a possible trade candidate, but now, he will instead not be playing anywhere next season. But Ridley wanted to make one thing clear: He doesn’t have a gambling problem.
“I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem,” Ridley tweeted after his suspension was announced.
NFL comments on Ridley suspension
Ridley can petition for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2023. The NFL released a lengthy statement on Ridley’s suspension, condemning Ridley for gambling on games.
“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,” Goodell’s letter to Ridley read, in part. “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,” the NFL said. “In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”