North Gwinnett News

Atlanta Falcons star player Calvin Ridley was suspended from the 2022 season after investigators found that he bet on National Football League (NFL) games during the 2021 season. 

A report by FOX 5 Atlanta on Monday highlighted the move, featuring a statement by Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, stating that gambling on NFL games has been considered one of the most significant violations of league policy for decades.

"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. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league,” Goodell said in the statement. “[Ridley’s] actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of [his] fellow players throughout the NFL.”

The allegations took place in November 2021, while Ridley was away from the team, according to FOX 5. Ridley played in only five games, missing much of the season after taking a leave of absence to deal with mental health issues.

Ridley spoke on Twitter Monday afternoon, following the news of his suspension. He said that he had reached a point where he couldn’t watch football and that he had only bet a total of $1,500.

There has been no reported evidence that Ridley used inside information or that any game was compromised, FOX 5 said. Ridley can appeal the suspension and is eligible to apply for reinstatement after Feb. 15, 2023.