Falcons' Calvin Ridley Suspended for the 2022 Season for Betting on NFL Games

The NFL offseason will have no shortage of news the next few months, but this one came out of nowhere for sure.

The league announced Monday they have suspended Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games this past season.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1500932672125739008

Here's the league release Monday.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1500933743279808514

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The Falcons issued the following statement.

"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. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office."

"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.

"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."

According to Adam Schefter, the league determined Ridley included the Falcons in his bets.

Following the news, Ridley took to Twitter:

And just how did he get caught?

Ridley played in just five games last season after stepping away from the team to take time to focus on his mental wellbeing. He compiled 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns before taking the rest of the season off.

Currently, the Falcons are +490 to win the NFC South via FanDuel Sportsbook and +6000 to win the SuperBowl. Caesars has them at +500 to win the division and +6000 for the SuperBowl, while DraftKings has them at +500 to win the division and +5000 for the SuperBowl.

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