The NFL has suspended indefinitely six players since the end of the 2022 season for betting on NFL games.
Indianapolis Colts Players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were issued indefinite suspensions Thursday for violating NFL wagering policy by betting on league games.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Rashod Berry (74) performs a drill during the Indianapolis Colts minicamp on June 14, 2023, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The betting suspensions are the latest for the NFL, which suspended three players indefinitely in April and gave two others six-game suspensions for violating NFL wagering policy.
COLTS WAIVES PLAYERS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY FOR BETTING ON NFL GAMES IN 2022
The growing problem of gambling in the league is one that worries former NFL safety Erik Coleman, who joined “fox and friendson Friday to discuss the suspensions, saying that players who bet on NFL games are a “blemish on the game.”
“No, I’m not surprised. There will always be these outliers that will do whatever they want and cloud the game,” Coleman said. “It’s very unfortunate for these guys. It’s one thing to bet on NFL property, I get it. When you’re traveling for a road game, maybe you’re at your hotel, you’re betting on a college or basketball game.” game, that’s one thing.
“But betting on NFL games and betting on your own team is the ultimate disrespect. It’s a stain on the game.”
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Isaiah Rodgers, number 34 of the Indianapolis Colts, on the field during warmups before the game against the Los Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Rodgers had been the subject of a league investigation into a possible violation of the NFL Betting Policywhich included possibly betting on Colts games.
In a June 5 social media post, Rodgers admitted to “misjudgment.”
“In addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” Rodgers wrote. “I know I’ve made mistakes and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fix the situation. The last thing I wanted to do was be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches and my teammates. I left behind people I care about.” .
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“I made an error in judgment and I’m going to work hard to make sure those errors are rectified throughout the process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I’ve never taken it lightly. I’m so sorry about all of this.” .”
Isaiah Rodgers, number 34 of the Indianapolis Colts, warms up against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Rodgers and Berry were released by the Colts following the announcement of the suspensions.
“I think the NFL took a big step in getting the message across by putting in these hard suspensions to suspend these guys indefinitely,” Coleman said. “Many of these, you’ll never see them play again.”
“I think ultimately the NFL has to be tougher on all of these players,” he continued. “They have to re-educate all the current players and let them know that this is not allowed, that it is not part of our game.”
Coleman played nine years in the NFL, spending the first four years of his career with the New York Jets before playing for the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions.
