There is currently a massive NFL Gambling investigation going on within the National Football League. NFL Gambling has been an ongoing issue for players over the last few seasons. The Detroit Lions got hit with a scandal earlier this off-season, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver) just got done serving a year-long suspension, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was suspended indefinitely for NFL Gambling. Now the Indianapolis Colts are going through it and one player sounded off on the whole thing.
Indianapolis Colts Player EJ Speed Sounds Off On NFL Gambling
According to an article by Jame Boyd of The Athletic:
What a player could win can’t even compare to what a player could lose.
That’s what Colts linebacker E.J. Speed has learned about the NFL’s gambling policy, which despite its strict rules and heavy penalties, continues to trip up players, including potentially Speed’s teammate Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
The fourth-year cornerback was not at the Colts’ OTAs on Wednesday, and he could be absent for quite some time. After previously being present at Indianapolis’ offseason team gatherings, Rodgers’ hiatus was no surprise after news broke Monday that he allegedly violated the NFL’s gambling rules.
The league prohibits players from gambling on NFL games, and players are only allowed to bet on other leagues when they’re not at an NFL facility.
“It’s a hard topic to even speak on right now just because of how sensitive it is around the league,” Speed said. “But right now, I would just encourage anybody: Don’t gamble. It’s not worth it.”
Rodgers is entering the final year of a four-year, $3.4 million contract, with $2.7 million due in 2023. The final season is not guaranteed, so if the Colts release the 25-year-old, he won’t receive any of the remaining money. Rodgers, a sixth-round draft pick by the Colts in 2020, was poised to become a full-time starter this year, and a strong season could’ve helped him earn a more lucrative second contract. But now his future with the Colts and in the NFL could be in jeopardy.
Speed and tight end Kylen Granson said the gambling rules have been taught, explained and reiterated every year they’ve been in the NFL. There are signs in the Colts’ locker room, reminding them of what’s at stake. A league representative visited the Colts this week to discuss the topic, and the yearly trip was planned prior to Rodgers being investigated.
Granson said he doesn’t indulge in sports betting, and he doesn’t plan to start. Neither does Speed.
Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season after betting on NFL games when he was still playing for the Falcons in 2021. Former Lions wideout Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore bet on NFL games last season and were suspended for the entire 2023 campaign and subsequently cut. Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney also bet on NFL games in 2022 and will be suspended for at least one full year.
“They’ve been making examples out of people,” Granson said.
The biggest seems to be that players don’t fully understand the NFL Gambling policy. Sure, some of the players may be doing it out of negligence, however, at the rate it happening it has to be due to lack of understanding the rules. After working their entire lives to get to the NFL, it is highly unlikely this many players would willingly due something so small that could put their career at risk.
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