NFL Players Who Have Been Banned For Betting
Betting on sports has always been one of the best pass times. But for a football player, it can be quite hazardous. There are some rules in place that prohibit players from betting on sports.
These rules may get the player penalized or in the worst-case scenario banned. However, football players still bet on sports to make profits.
There are many reasons why a player would use their inside knowledge to bet on sports. It could be that they wish to make quick money. They may want to help a friend make big bucks. Footballers also get attracted to casinos offering the highest payout rates because they have the money to bet higher. Whatever the reason may be, it is still prohibited for footballers to bet on their own game.
Many American footballers have been banned for breaking this rule. If you wish to learn more about these players and warts and their story behind getting banned then keep on reading below.
Football players Suspended Due to Betting on NFL Games
According to the rulebook of the NFL, players, coaches, and staff members are prohibited from betting on NFL matches. They also can not let others bet for them on NFL matches. In addition, sharing match critical information which may help someone win a bet is also not allowed for players. Breaching these rules can lead to a heavy fine and even a ban from betting on any sport.
Denver DE Eyioma Uwazurike was also suspended indefinitely for betting on league games in 2022. Only after two years, he will be eligible to challenge this suspension. Another example is Atlanta WR Calvin Ridley. In 2023 he was suspended for one year for betting on NFL games in 2021.CB Josh Shaw was suspended for betting on NFL matches in 2019 while being on the injured reserve. After his ban, he has not played a single match in the league.
Similar to insider trading, players can actively influence the result of a match. Thus, it becomes easy for players to fix matches and make huge profits. That is why the NFL has so many complicated rules prohibiting players, coaches, and staff from betting on the NFL. However, it is common to see news about players placing bets and winning. But such players are banned from betting. A great example of this is the case when Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts along with free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended in 2023 for their act of betting on NFL matches in the 2022 season. They have been banned indefinitely.
Footballers Suspended Due to Betting on Other Sports
Players can also get into a lot of trouble if they are caught betting on other sports while at their workplace. This happened to Nicholas Petit-Frere of Tennessee Titans who was betting on other sports while still being at work. He was banned from playing six NFL matches which will affect his career.
Why Are NFL Players Repeatedly Betting and Getting Banned?
By now, you must have understood that even after heavy fines and the risk of getting banned, players are still choosing to bet on the NFL. This is repeating news that we hear once every year. So what benefit do players get by risking their careers? The answer is simple: Money! Money topples all the appeals in life. Players are willing to sacrifice their smooth sailing career for a big sum of money.
Having the power to greatly influence a match or the knowledge of how the game will go helps a punter bet on winning events. They can invest all their savings and multiply it a number of times in a short period of time. Let’s be honest, who would not be willing to do that?
This is the reason why we hear players getting penalised and banned every year for betting on sports illegally.