The National Football League is continuing its crackdown on gambling as four players have received suspensions for betting on pro football games or violating policy. The following four players have been suspended from participating in any NFL-related activities.
Players Suspended For Betting On NFL Games
- Isaiah Rodgers, Cornerback – Free Agent (Indianapolis Colts)
- Rashod Berry, Linebacker – Free Agent (Indianapolis Colts)
- Nicholas Petit-Frere, Offensive Tackle – Tennessee Titans
- Demetrius Taylor, Defensive End – Free Agent
These players are suspended indefinitely until at least the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, except for Nicholas Petit-Frere, who received a six-game suspension for betting on non-NFL sports while at team facilities. Petit-Frere used mobile sportsbook apps in Tennessee to place his wagers.
The gambling activities of the Colts’ Isaiah Rodgers were made public in early June. He had placed over one hundred wagers ranging from $25 to over $1,000, with some action laid on the Colts. One of the NFL bet types was a prop for a Colts running back’s rushing yardage over/under.
These wagers were placed with a domestic operator that is regulated and able to offer legal NFL betting to gamblers located inside Indiana.
Active NFL players, coaches, and team-related staff or personnel are not allowed to bet on NFL odds of any kind. Wagers can be placed on non-NFL games and betting odds, but not on-site at a team facility, stadium, or while traveling for team-related activities.
Rodgers admitted his wrongdoings on June 5th via social media, but the suspension was not issued by the NFL until yesterday. Both Rashod Berry and Rodgers have since been waived by Indianapolis.
What likely kept the suspensions for Berry, Rodgers, and Taylor from being lifelong is that no game tampering was uncovered by NFL investigators.
The Tennessee Titans have taken a different stance on Petit-Frere. He was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he started all but the final game of last season. The team believes that the former Ohio State Buckeye has learned his lesson.
“[The Titans] believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization. We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”
Official Statement From The Tennessee Titans
These players add to a growing list of players and team staff that have been suspended for betting on the NFL or gambling while at team facilities. Some of the violations are likely innocent, like in the case of Petit-Frere.
Using legal online football betting sites has become so commonplace and convenient that it is easy to forget that placing a wager isn’t ok in a few select locations.
There has been no timetable given by the league on when these indefinite suspensions will be updated or lifted.
Sources – ESPN, NBC Sports