The National Football League (NFL) suspended four players for violating the gambling policy in an announcement on June 29, Thursday. The players are free agent Demetrius Taylor and Indianapolis Colts stars Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry. These players are banned for an indefinite period, at least till the conclusion of the 2023 league season for betting on NFL games last season.
One more player suspended for gambling in non-NFL sports at the club facility is Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans. He will not be able to play in the first six games of the upcoming 2023 regular season.
The General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts, Chris Ballard, talked about the suspension of two of the players Rodgers and Berry, following their release from the franchise. He said, “We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league's gambling policy."
"The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organisation, we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations,” he further added.
Notably, the sources who knew about Isaiah Rodgers's activities on his online sportsbook account, told to David Purdum of ESPN that there were around 100 bets placed, including a minimum of one on a game involving the Colts. It was further revealed that friends of Rodgers in Florida made him put multiple wagers, which were around USD 25 to USD 50.
Meanwhile, a USD 1000 prop bet was placed on the over/under on rushing yards by a running back of the Indianapolis Colts, which reportedly won. In the state of Florida, the option of legal betting on sports wasn’t available last league season. Also, one of the NFL sources revealed that the league officials didn’t find any evidence related to manipulation in the games.
