Tag: reinstated

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (34) signs a ball for a fan Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

NFL reinstates Eagles’ Isaiah Rodgers after gambling ban

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers on Tuesday after a one-year gambling suspension.

Rodgers, 26, has been cleared to participate in all team activities, effective immediately.

The Indianapolis Colts cut Rodgers following his suspension last June and he signed with the Eagles in August.

A sixth-round pick in 2020, Rodgers averaged 27.0 yards on 61 kickoff returns in 45 games with the Colts from 2020-22. He returned a kick 101 yards for a touchdown at Cleveland in Week 5 of 2020.

Following his suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy, Rodgers issued a statement acknowledging his mistakes.

“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I know I have made mistakes, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation,” he posted on social media.

“The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

NFL reinstates Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was reinstated from a year-long suspension by the NFL on Monday.

The league said Ridley was granted full reinstatement, one year after he was suspended for admitting to placing bets on NFL games.

“Ridley, who had been suspended indefinitely since March 2022 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, is eligible to participate in all team activities, effective immediately,” the NFL said.

The league suspended Ridley last March 7 through at least the 2022 season with the qualifier he could apply for the suspension to be lifted on Feb. 15, 2023.

Ridley admitted to placing $1,500 in wagers on NFL games in 2021. He bet on games between Nov. 23-28, 2021, when he was away from his then-team, the Atlanta Falcons, for personal reasons.

“I don’t have a gambling problem,” Ridley tweeted after the suspension was announced.

The Jaguars acquired Ridley at the trade deadline last Nov. 1, sending a 2023 fifth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that could potentially become a second-round pick to the Falcons.

“This is an opportunity to add a proven playmaker to our already talented wide receiver room as we continue to build our roster for 2023 and beyond,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement at the time.

Ridley, 28, hasn’t played since Week 7 of the 2021 season. He finished that season with 31 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

Since being selected No. 26 overall by the Falcons in the 2018 draft, Ridley has 248 catches for 3,342 yards and 28 TDs in 49 games (35 starts).

–Field Level Media