Calvin Ridley Denies Having A Gambling Problem After Suspension For Betting

Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for a year after the NFL discovered that he bet on games during the 2021 season. Ridley hasn’t denied the allegations and claims he didn’t wager a large sum of money.

Ridley bet on games during a five-day period in November when he was out with an illness, the NFL said. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Ridley’s bets did involve the Falcons, though the league contends that the receiver didn’t affect the game’s outcome in any way.

“I bet 1500 total,” Ridley tweeted. “I don’t have a gambling problem.”

Ridley has earned more than $11 million in four seasons with the Falcons. He was set to have an $11.1 million salary in 2022 before being suspended. Ridley can apply for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2023.

Ridley’s bets were parlays, which include multiple wagers for one bet. The parlays involved three, five and eight games and included the Falcons to win, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

"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 Roger Goodell said in a letter to Ridley. "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.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."

The Falcons said they first became aware of the allegations against Ridley on Feb. 9.