NFL suspends four more players, including Colts DB Isaiah Rodgers, for violating the league's gambling policy
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry were among the players suspended indefinitely by the NFL on Thursday for violating the league's gambling policy.
Berry, Rodgers and free-agent defensive end Demetrius Taylor were all suspended through at least the 2023 NFL season for gambling on NFL games in 2022, the league announced. Those players can apply for reinstatement at the end of the 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere also received a six-game suspension for gambling on non-NFL games at team facilities.
Rodgers started nine games for the Colts in 2022. He was also used as a kick and punt returner. Rodgers' account reportedly made roughly 100 bets, according to David Purdum of ESPN. Most of those wagers were reportedly for between $25 and $50. However, Rodgers allegedly placed a $1,000 wager on an over/under rushing yards prop involving a Colts running back, per Purdum. That bet reportedly won.
Berry spent most of 2022 on Indianapolis' practice squad. Taylor made the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster to start 2022, but was waived by the team in October.
Following Thursday's suspensions, the Colts announced they waived both Berry and Rodgers. Team general manager Chris Ballard cited the "integrity of the game" in his statement on the moves.
Petit-Frere got ahead of that news Thursday, releasing a statement to ESPN's Adam Schefter before the league announced the suspension.
Petit-Frere said all his wagers were placed legally, but the fact that he made them at team facilities led to his suspension.
Titans’ OT Nicholas Petit-Frere is being suspended six games for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Petit-Frere is adamant that he did not bet on NFL games. But he is being suspended for betting on other sports at the workplace.
His statement to ESPN: pic.twitter.com/mvXfig5V10— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2023
It's a significant loss for the Titans. Petit-Frere started 16 games as a rookie last season after being selected by the team in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Petit-Frere apologized to the team and its fans, and said he would try and help the team as much as possible before his suspension kicks in.
The Titans released a statement saying the team believes Petit-Frere "has deep respect for the integrity of the game." The team vowed to educate players on the importance of following the NFL's rules and gambling policies.
NFL continues to crack down on gambling
In April, the league suspended five players under the league's gambling policy. Three of those players — Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus, Lions defensive back C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney — were suspended indefinitely by the league. They can apply for reinstatement following the 2023 NFL season.
Two other Lions receivers, Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, received six-game suspensions for their actions. Williams reportedly bet on college football games while at NFL facilities.
Prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season, receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire season due to gambling on games. Ridley was a member of the Atlanta Falcons at the time. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2022 season and was reinstated ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
