Report: Calvin Ridley's bets included Atlanta Falcons games
Calvin Ridley, who just got slapped with a one-year suspension from the NFL due to violation of league policies that included gambling on games, bet on games involving his own team, the Atlanta Falcons, a source revealed to Mike Garafolo.
In a press release, the NFL specified that Ridley was found betting on NFL games during a five-day period in late November, while Ridley was not with the team and away from the team facilities on the non-football illness list. The NFL’s statement says the investigation “uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”
The press release does note that Ridley can petition for his reinstatement on or after Feb. 15, 2023, when his suspension is set to end. Furthermore, as outlined in the NFL and NFLPA collective bargaining agreement, Ridley has the option to appeal his suspension, though it appears that the league has made a firm decision.
“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.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave some more details regarding the investigation the NFL conducted on Ridley. He said the Atlanta wide receiver placed three different bets, all being multilegged parlays. The Falcons were picked to win in all of them per the report, although there was no involvement involved from anyone with the organization.
“NFL determined that Calvin Ridley placed multi-legged parlay bets involving 3, 5 and 8 games that included the Falcons to win, per source,” Schefter said. “Investigation determined there was no involvement from any team players, coach etc. placed via his mobile device out of state.”
Lindsay Jones of The Athletic reported more specific details, saying Ridley placed the bets through a mobile phone in the state of Florida. The bets were placed between the dates of Nov. 23-28, the week when Atlanta defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 28.
On3’s Simon Gibbs and Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.