On Monday, the NFL announced Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for at least one year for gambling on NFL games. The NFL's statement said the bets took place within a five-day period in late November 2021. The bets took place while the Ridley was on the non-football illness list and away from the team's facilities, the NFL stated.
Team statement on the NFL investigation of Calvin Ridley. https://t.co/dzbRCPRlmR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 7, 2022
According to an ESPN report, the bets took place on a mobile phone and were placed out of state. The bets were reportedly "multi-legged parlay involving 3, 5 and 8 games that included the Falcons to win, per source."
Ridley has spoken out against the allegations, admitting that he bet on games but saying he does not have a gambling problem. He has been live-tweeting as the new the news develops in, with multiple tweets on the topic.
Ridley began his tweets with one that stated, "I learn from my Ls."
I learn from my Ls
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 6, 2022
He admitted to betting $1,500 total.
I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
I couldn’t even watch football at that point
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
He is choosing to take the positive angle, saying:
"Just gone be more healthy when I come back."
Just gone be more healthy when I come back
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Here are some other tweets from Ridley:
I couldn’t even watch football at that point
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
I know I was wrong But I’m getting 1 year lol
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
If you know me you know my character
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Other NFL players have also reacted to the news with many defending Ridley and discussing what the NFL does and does not allow when it comes to players gambling. Here are some of the best tweets:
Robert Griffin III said, "Every year the NFL tells the players we CAN NOT BET ON GAMES. It doesn't matter that the league is in partnership with gambling and betting companies. The NFL will always protect the integrity of the game and its pockets. Calvin Ridley messed around and found out."
Every year the NFL tells the players we CAN NOT BET ON GAMES. It doesn’t matter that the league is in partnership with gambling and betting companies. The NFL will always protect the integrity of the game and its pockets. Calvin Ridley messed around and found out.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2022
Torrey Smith was surprised at the length of the suspension.
A YEAR?!?!? That math ain’t mathing https://t.co/l7tmuGhYba pic.twitter.com/ogaD1sfsCA
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 7, 2022
AJ Brown said, "Just learn from it and move forward."
Just learn from it and move forward.
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) March 7, 2022
Marshall Newhouse said it was ironic that the NFL suspends a player for gambling, while it is a league filled with gambling connections.
Suspending a player for a marginal gambling offense while negotiating multi-billion $$ deals with gambling entities >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
— marshall newhouse (@MNewhouse73) March 7, 2022
Darren Bates tweets, then clarifies he is not mad at Ridley.
Soooo like I said ..here comes Coop!
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) March 7, 2022
Stay off Twitter my boy
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) March 7, 2022
Btw. I ain’t mad at Calvin
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) March 7, 2022
Some are tweeting about how much the receiver is tweeting.
If you find yourself in a hole. Keep tweeting, Calvin Ridley voice
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 7, 2022
Others have suggestions for the rules.
You should be allowed to bet on #NFL games as a player, the rule should be you can only bet on your team to win. #CalvinRidley pic.twitter.com/G4tyelHyFH
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 7, 2022