Isaiah Rodgers Reinstated to NFL Following 2023 Gambling Suspension

Responsible gambling, users adhering to legal sports betting rules, and the integrity of the game are important topics for our best sports betting apps and professional sports leagues.

While the NBA recently suffered through the Jontay Porter scandal and MLB emerged from the Shohei Ohtani affair, the NFL is gearing up for the 2024 season hoping it won't need to navigate those waters again. The league suspended more than a handful of players based on its updated gambling policies in 2023.

Last week, five of those players were reinstated. Four free agents - wideout Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, linebacker Rashod Berry, and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor - were given the go-ahead to resume their NFL careers. The fifth player reinstated was Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.

Now the shoe has dropped for another player looking to put his 2023 suspension behind him, as the league reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. on Tuesday.

What did he do? 

Rodgers was a member of the Indianapolis Colts when the NFL handed down his suspension in June 2023, but the team cut him immediately. He missed the entire 2023 season as his punishment. 

The defensive back reportedly opened an account in the Indiana sports betting scene under the name of an associate. He had placed hundreds of bets in the $25-50 dollar range, which he described to ESPN's John Barr as "...crazy-leg parlays with just $25 trying to make a crazy amount. Just funny bets." Rodgers said he was placing bets for friends living in the Florida sports betting scene, where there were no legal options to access our best sports betting sites. 

Rodgers also reportedly bet on games involving the Colts. He took full responsibility for his actions.

What the future holds

Two months after the Colts cut him, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed the 2020 draft choice. He can now participate in team activities immediately since Rodgers has been reinstated. For the Eagles, gaining access to another member of the secondary two days before the 2024 NFL Draft may change how they plan for the future. 

The expectation in Philadelphia will be that Rodgers can step in and help a defense that finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards and touchdowns allowed in 2023. In 45 career appearances he's logged 10 starts while recording 90 tackles, 10 passes defended, and three interceptions.