NFL suspends four players over gambling policy violations
Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry as well as free agent Demetrius Taylor receive indefinite suspensions while fourth player receives six-game ban
The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed the indefinite suspension of three players over alleged violations of its policies on gambling.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Colts outside linebacker Rashod Berry, as well as free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely by the league until at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on games in the 2022 season.
The Colts later cut Rodgers and Berry following the suspension.
These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
A fourth player, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, has also been suspended for the first six regular season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the Titans’ club facility.
However, Petit-Frere can participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games.
The NFL’s gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility. It is reviewed annually and has recently been simplified to six key rules for players.
Reports that the NFL was investigating Rodgers first surfaced earlier this month, with the player later admitting to placing bets on NFL games.
In May, the NFL suspended five players for similar offences, with all being suspended from the league for varying lengths of time.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and fellow Lions safety C.J. Moore, as well as Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were all suspended until at least the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season for breaching league rules on gambling.
Fellow Detroit Lions players Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were also suspended by the league for similar offences and will miss the first six regular season games of the 2023 season.
Since the increased regulatory activity the NFL has moved to reinforce its anti-player gambling stance, recruiting NFL legend Tom Brady to front a video discouraging players from gambling and developing six simplified key rules for players.