Four players, three of whom will serve a season-long ban starting in the new campaign, have been penalised after breaking NFL gambling rules.
Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry, who are now formerly of the Indianapolis Colts after the franchise waived their renewal, as well as free agent Demetrius Taylor, have been handed indefinite bans until at least the end of the 2023 season.
This comes after the trio were found to have breached NFL gambling regulations for betting on games throughout the 2022 season.
Although the suspension carries an ‘indefinite’ label, all three will be able to lodge a petition for reinstatement at the end of the 2023 campaign.
Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans will also miss his side’s first six games of the upcoming season for wagering on sports outside of the NFL whilst present at the franchise’s facility. This is in breach of the division’s gambling rules.
The Colts wasted no time in cutting ties with both Berry and Rodgers, releasing the pair less than an hour after the ban was confirmed by the NFL.
A statement released on the team’s website read: “We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy.
“As an organisation we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
The NFL has since reiterated its six key gambling rules that, if a player if found to be in breach of, would result in a similar punishment to those handed out this week.
They are as follows:
1. Do not gamble on the NFL.
2. Do not gamble at your team facility, while traveling for a road game or staying at a team hotel.
3. Do not have someone bet for you.
4. Do not share ‘inside information’ related to the team.
5. Do not enter a sportsbook whilst the NFL season is ongoing.
6. Do no play daily fantasy football.
This is not the first episode of gambling violations in this year’s off-season. Towards the end of April, Detroit Lions had four players suspended – Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and C.J. Moore.
Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was also found the be guilt of breaking the NFL gambling rules.
