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(CNN) Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season, the league announced Monday.
The suspension will last through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season, the NFL said. Ridley, 27, can apply for reinstatement beginning February 15, 2023.
Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely, according to the NFL.
In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote: “His actions jeopardized the integrity of the game, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputation of his players. fellow players throughout the NFL.
“For decades, betting on NFL games has been considered one of the most significant violations of league policy warranting the heaviest penalty. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for quickly showing up for an interview and admitting your actions.”
The NFL investigation found no evidence that any games were compromised in any way by Ridley’s actions. The league did not specify which games Ridley bet on.
CNN has reached out to the NFL Players Association and Ridley’s agents for comment.
Calvin Ridley retired for personal reasons
After the NFL announced Ridley’s suspension, the former Alabama player tweeted, “I bet 1,500 total I don’t have a gambling problem.”
Later tweets included messages such as: “I know I was wrong, but they will give me 1 year lol” and “If you know me, you know my character”.
The league says the betting allegedly took place over a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from club premises on the non-football injury list. A few weeks earlier, on Oct. 31, Ridley announced that he was leaving the Falcons for personal reasons.
At the time, Ridley wrote: “These last few weeks have been very challenging and as much as I would love to be on the pitch competing with my teammates, I need to step away from football right now and focus on my mental well-being. This will help me be the best version of myself now and in the future. I want to thank my teammates, the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, our great fans, my friends and my family for all of their support during this time.”
What the Falcons said
In a statement following the news of Ridley’s suspension on Monday, the Atlanta Falcons said: “We first became aware of the league’s investigation on the 9th. [de febrero]. We have fully cooperated with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward into the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision being made by the NFL, any additional questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
Ridley won two national championships during his time at the University of Alabama and was selected in the first round of the draft by the Falcons in 2018.
The-CNN-Wire
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