After serving a year-long suspension for betting on NFL games, wide receiver Calvin Ridley is back in the league, now playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His experience underscores the NFL's strict stance on gambling, a policy that has recently led to the suspension of several other players.
Ridley's suspension stemmed from bets he placed during a five-day period in November 2021 while away from the Atlanta Falcons. The Jaguars traded for him last November, and the NFL reinstated him in March 2023.
Recent suspensions for gambling violations have highlighted the ongoing issue within the league. Some players bet on NFL games, while others wagered on other sports, both of which violate the NFL's gambling policy.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson has stated that Ridley is committed to helping his teammates understand and adhere to the league's rules. Ridley himself expressed disappointment that his situation didn't serve as a stronger deterrent for his peers. He told the Florida Times-Union, "I wish they would’ve looked at me and said, ‘Wow, they did him like that? I hope it doesn’t happen to me.’"
Ridley believes his punishment should have been a wake-up call for other players. He admitted to not fully grasping the gravity of the situation until after his interview with the league. He now emphasizes the importance of educating players about the severity of gambling violations.
He stressed, "It’s not worth it at all. I really think we don’t understand how serious it is... It’s a real serious offense. You don’t want to do it, mess with the integrity of the game and your job. Just stay away from it if you can."
Now catching passes from Trevor Lawrence, Ridley is focused on making the most of his second chance in the NFL and rebuilding his career.
