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.
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."
He admitted to betting $1,500 total.
He is choosing to take the positive angle, saying:
"Just gone be more healthy when I come back."
Here are some other tweets from Ridley:
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."
Torrey Smith was surprised at the length of the suspension.
AJ Brown said, "Just learn from it and move forward."
Marshall Newhouse said it was ironic that the NFL suspends a player for gambling, while it is a league filled with gambling connections.
Darren Bates tweets, then clarifies he is not mad at Ridley.
Some are tweeting about how much the receiver is tweeting.
Others have suggestions for the rules.