Calvin Ridley Suspended From NFL For Betting on Games

Former Alabama football wide receiver Calvin Ridley is suspended from the NFL for at least the entirety of next season for gambling on NFL games last season after leaving the team, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

"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. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement on Monday afternoon.

The No. 26 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft played five games this season with the Falcons, before announcing he was taking a step back from football due to work on his mental health.

According to the NFL press release, Ridley betted on games during a five day period in November of last year, and did not use any inside information to make the bets. They also concluded that no players, coaches, or staff were aware of this incident. However, there are reports stating that he betted on the Falcons during this time.

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Ridley played for the Tide from 2015-2017, and was a two-time SEC champion and national champion.

In his five games this season with the Falcons, Ridley had 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

"We were first made aware of the league's investigation on Feb. 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league's findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made," said the Atlanta Falcons in a statement on Monday.