The NFL announced penalties on Thursday for four players who violate league betting rules.
Isaiah Rodgers, a cornerback who started nine games last season, and Rashod Berry, tight reserve, of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor, who played in one game last season for the Detroit Lions, are suspended for at least a year for betting. at an NFL game in the 2022 season.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, offensive tackle with the Tennessee Titans, received a six-game suspension for betting on another sport while at the team's facilities. He will be allowed to participate in training and training camps as well as pre-season games.
An NFL spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation and how the league found players' misconduct.
Shortly after the NFL announced the suspension, the Colts released Rodgers and Berry.
“The integrity of the game is of utmost importance,” said Chris Ballard, general manager of the Colts, in a statement. “As an organization, we will continue to educate our players, coaches and staff about the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with a breach.”
The Titans said in a statement that the team was aware of Petit-Frere's suspension but announced there would be no further discipline.
“We believe in Nick and know that he has the utmost respect for the integrity of our game and organization,” said the team.
Representatives for Rodgers declined to comment. Representatives for Taylor, Berry and Petit-Frere did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The penalties were the second wave of season-long suspensions handed down in the span of two months. Seven NFL players have received full season suspensions in the past two years, a period during which pro football and other major sports received legalized betting income.
In April, the NFL suspended receiver Quintez Cephus and safety CJ Moore of the Detroit Lions and defenseman Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders indefinitely after a league investigation found they had been betting on football games during the 2022 season. filed for reinstatement at the end of the 2023 season.
Two other Lions players, receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams, were suspended six games each for gambling violations, which the team said included betting by NFL facilities on other sporting events.
Recipient Calvin Ridley was suspended for one season in March 2022 after betting on a football game while he was away from the Atlanta Falcons to focus on his mental health. He was rehired one year later and is expected to make his debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars in September.
League policy prohibits personnel from placing or facilitating bets on any NFL game, practice, or event, such as the draft. Players are permitted to bet on other sports, but may not gamble on the job or while on the job, including traveling to matches or while making promotional appearances on behalf of leagues.
In a conference call with reporters in June, Jeff Miller, the NFL's vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy, detailed the league's efforts to educate players about gambling policy. Beginners are required to attend a session on rules, and the N.FL. officials visited the team to stress the betting rules.