Report: Indianapolis Colts player under investigation for gambling identified as CB Isaiah Rodgers
It was reported Monday that an Indianapolis Colts player was under investigation for violating the league’s gambling policy.
ESPN has now confirmed the identity of the player to be cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Rodgers placed approximately 100 bets — some on Colts games — under the name of an associate of his. Majority of the bets were in the $25-50 range, at least one coming in the low four figures.
According to Sports Handle, Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) Deputy Director Jenny Reske acknowledged that the IGC is looking into a potential violation by Rodgers.
“I can confirm that we have received information pertaining to this matter and we are following developments,” Reske said, per the website. “The IGC is not the lead agency because it involves violations of league policy. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to see if it requires any regulatory action.”
When asked for comment, an NFL spokesperson said in a text message to ESPN they had “nothing to add.”
Rodgers may not be the only Colts player who could face a suspension for gambling on sports.
According to David Purdum of ESPN, the league is now evaluating ways to keep a tighter wrap on gambling violations in wake of more misbehavior from players.
Per Purdum, “In the wake of five players being suspended in April, the NFL is investigating a second wave of potential violations of its gambling policy, multiple sources told ESPN.”
He then added: “The NFL is trying to stay ahead of potential problems with increased monitoring and education, while hoping stiff penalties act as a deterrent.”
NFL cracking down on gambling violations; will Colts be next?
Purdum then went on to explain how a 2018 Supreme Court ruling really kick-started this whole explosion in sports gambling throughout the country.
“The uptick in gambling-related issues comes five years after a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.” That ruling, according to Purdum, sparked a shift in the NFL’s attitude towards gambling.
The league has recently come down hard on gambling, suspending four Detroit Lions players for violating the policy. Jameson Williams, Detroit’s 2022 first-round pick, was notably suspended six games for betting on non-NFL games from an NFL facility.
Additionally, former Atlanta Falcons now Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley received a suspension for the entirety of the 2022 season. Ridley bet on NFL games over a five-game stretch while away from the Falcons in 2021.