The NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley at least through the 2022 season for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season. In a tweet, Ridley appeared to plead guilty, confirming that he “bet [$]1500 total.” The 27-year-old former first round pick added that, in his view, he doesn’t “have a gambling problem.”
Whether or not Ridley has a “gambling problem” is not at issue. By betting, Ridley broke NFL rules. He stands to lose $11 million in salary in 2022, as his salary for the year is pushed back to 2023. The salary reflects the final year of Ridley’s rookie contract.
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An NFL investigation found that Ridley, who caught 90 passes in the 2020 season but missed much of 2021 with health issues, placed bets while away from the team in November 2021. He was on the non-football illness list.
In a letter sent to Ridley and released to the public, Goodell stressed, “there is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success—and to the…