Perks of the NFL
For most of the younger generation, it is true that players in the NFL can be huge inspirations. Many of these NFL players have worked incredibly hard for their entire lives to be in the position they are in. This is why they are very valued not only by the younger generation but by the older generation as well. Despite having to work hard, NFL players definitely receive a large sum of income. Therefore, the last thing many expect is NFL players that, on their off-time, turn to gambling. However, that seems to be an issue a couple of NFL players have faced throughout the last season.
Which Players Received Suspensions? For How Long?
There were a handful of players that received an indefinite suspension for the duration of the 2023 season. “Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely,” according to ESPN. Additionally, there was another player from the Tennessee Titans that was suspended due to the same reason. However, he received a shorter suspension. “In addition, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has suspended six games,” according to ESPN. This can certainly be a bit unexpected for both the fans and the players themselves. However, it is something that was expected, considering what they had done, which was a gamble.
What Did These Players Gamble?
There are a lot of sports apps out there that anyone has access to, to which betting is one of the biggest features given by the app. These NFL players had taken advantage of that and were, in a way, exploiting the applications that were available to the public. Colts cornerback, Isaiah Rodgers, is one of the players who had bet on one of these applications. “Rodgers’ wagers included a $1,000 prop bet on the Over/Under of rushing yards of a Colts running back,” according to CBS News. This is only one of the wagers by one of the players, as there are still other players who did something very similar to what Rodgers did. This is a huge policy violation, in accordance with what the NFL has stated.
Nicholas Petit-Frere Releases a Statement
Nicholas is another one of the players that was found to have been betting. However, his case is a bit different from the other players. “Petit-Frere released a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, saying in part, “The betting I engaged in was NOT NFL related and was legal under Tennessee law. It is only being sanctioned because it occurred at the Titans facility,” according to SBNation. However, according to the NFL policy, he may still be suspended nevertheless. “This is similar to the suspension of Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was not found to have placed wagers on NFL games but it is nevertheless illegal to place bets of any sort at a team facility,” according to SBNation. Therefore, as aforementioned, even betting at a team facility is illegal. That is exactly what Nicholas had done, and therefore, may still be suspended nevertheless.
The Future of These Statements and Players
Unfortunately, these NFL players will have to ‘serve their sentences’ as per the NFL policy. There is no other remedy when it comes down to reducing the sentence or really anything else, for that matter. Therefore, this can certainly be a good lesson for not only these NFL players but for others that were thinking of heading down the same path as these players. Despite this, the fans remain loyal to their team and will continue supporting them through the toughest of endeavors.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
ESPN News: NFL suspends four players for gambling violations
SBNation: Latest gambling suspension could lead to starting role for former Seahawks draft pick
CBS News: Colts’ Isaiah Rodgers, two other NFL players receive indefinite suspensions for gambling violations
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Kevin Jones’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Josh Hallett’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
