Players betting on games is an egregious offense, not matter what magnitude. But how is the infraction addressed officially by the NFL?
The Sporting News digs into the weeds.
What rule did Calvin Ridley break?
The NFL rulebook has very plain terms regarding NFL personnel betting on games. Per the NFL’s gambling policy from NFL Communications, Section 2 states that:
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- Betting on Football: All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third-party, on any NFL game, practice or other event. This includes betting on game outcome, statistics, score, performance of any individual participant, or any other kind of “proposition bet” on which wagering is offered.
The handbook goes on to state NFL personnel are prohibited from gambling on any professional or amateur sporting event, while also discussing breakout issues from gambling on games such as shaving points or fixing games.
As far as Ridley’s punishment goes, that was put under subjective determination. Per Section 7:
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While Ridley’s indiscretions don’t appear to constitute a lifetime ban, given that he was away from the league when they occurred, his fate in the NFL is now at the mercy of the 32 teams. While the NFL is encouraging gambling for fans, it’s clear that gambling on games by players is still being handled with the utmost seriousness.
Although Ridley could technically be reinstated after this season if the NFL believes the wide receiver has served enough time without further recourse, GMs around the league may have a hard time giving him a chance. Certainly, his trade value has plummeted.
