Indianapolis Colts waive Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry following NFL gambling suspensions
The Indianapolis Colts have waived Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry following their indefinite suspensions for gambling.
On Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN revealed Rodgers and Berry were two of the three players who have been suspended indefinitely through at least the 2023 season for betting on games, the other being free agent Demetrius Taylor.
Afterwards, the Colts took swift action, opting to remove the duo from their franchise by waiving them.
“We have waived DE Rashod Berry and CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr,” announced the Colts.
In addition to the announcement, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made a statement explaining the franchise’s decision.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” said Ballard. “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance.
“As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
Alas, it’s evident the Indianapolis Colts and the entire NFL will not tolerate their players gambling, and it remains to be seen if Isaiah Rodgers or Rashod Berry will ever be given another shot.
More on the NFL, Gambling Suspensions
The news accompanies Schefter’s report that Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere will receive a six-game suspension from the league for gambling on other sports.
Petit-Frere released a statement to Schefter in regards to the suspension.
“Firstly I wanted to say that it’s an honor to play in the NFL and it has been a blessing to play this game. The NFL plans to announce another round of sanctions regarding its gambling policies and I will be included in this group of players receiving a six-game suspension,” Petit-Frere said as part of the statement.
“The betting I engaged in was NOT NFL related and was legal under Tennessee law. It is only being sanctioned because it occurred at the Titans facility. I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates and Titans fans. … I did not knowingly break the rules. I will do everything in my power to help the team during training camp and will be prepared when I return to the roster during the season.”
Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He started 16 of 17 games for the Titans last season. The Florida native was a two-time All-Big Ten selection during his time playing for the Buckeyes.
In addition to Petit-Frère, the aforementioned Rodgers released a statement earlier this offseason, when he was being investigated for a potential violation.
“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” Rodgers wrote. “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about.”