The NFL suspends wide receiver Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons. Reason is illegal betting on NFL games.

Munich – Calvin Ridley will not be on the field for at least the 2022 season. The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver has been suspended by the NFL for allegedly betting on games.

According to the NFL, Ridley placed several bets over a five-day period in late November 2021. During that time, he was ineligible for duty with the Falcons because of mental issues.

“There is nothing more fundamental to the success of the NFL – and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league – than maintaining the integrity of the game,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a statement. “This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, official and everyone employed by the league.”

Ridley allegedly did not use inside information to make his bets. Teammates or coaches also allegedly did not know about his bets. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reports that Ridley used his own phone to place bets. He also allegedly bet on Falcons games.

Ridley himself downplayed his bets on Twitter: “I bet a total of $1,500. I don’t have a gambling problem. “

I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem

– CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022

Ridley not currently active in NFL due to mental issues

On October 31, 2021, he had announced he was retiring indefinitely from professional sports due to mental issues. As a result, Ridley writes: “At that point I couldn’t even bear to watch games.” Nevertheless, he is already looking ahead – and announced that he will be all the fitter when he returns.

Ridley can apply for reinstatement from 15 February 2023.