Ridley played in just five games during the 2021 season. | Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons
Ridley played in just five games during the 2021 season. | Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended by the NFL for the entire 2022 season at minimum after an investigation revealed he bet on football games last year.
The NFL said the alleged sports betting took place in November 2021, when Ridley was on hiatus, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success - and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league - than upholding the integrity of the game," NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell said in a statement. "This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL."
Ridley played in just five games during the 2021 season, but missed the rest when self-reported mental health issues caused him to take a leave of absence from the team, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
In a series of tweets after his suspension, Ridley said he bet $1,500 altogether, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. He also wrote it was during a period where he couldn't even watch football and that he was going to be healthier when he returned.
"I know I was wrong But I'm getting 1 year lol," Ridley said in a tweet.
Ridley is eligible for reinstatement after Feb. 15, 2023, and can appeal his suspension, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
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