NFL suspends Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley for at least 2022 season for betting on games

Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for at least the 2022 season after gambling on games in 2021.

The NFL released a statement Monday announced his suspension, saying he gambled on games over a five-day stretch in November 2021 when he was on the non-football injury list while dealing with mental health issues.

Ridley stepped away from football on Halloween, saying he needed to get his personal issues in order.

In a tweet Monday after the suspension was announced, Ridley said he bet $1,500 total and that “I don’t have a gambling problem.”

The NFL determined that Ridley placed multi-legged parlay bets involving three, five and eight games that included the Falcons to win, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension. “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.

“For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”

The NFL said its investigation uncovered no evidence that Ridley used inside information or “that any game was compromised in any way.” There also was no evidence that any of the Falcons’ coaches, staff or players were aware of his betting activity.

“Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of…