Denver — Eyioma Uwazurike, a defensive end for the Denver Broncos, was suspended by the NFL indefinitely on Monday for placing bets on league games in the 2022 season.
Uwazurike, an eight-game rookie who was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Iowa State, is the tenth player to be punished this offseason for placing bets on other sports or gambling on games while in NFL locker rooms. He can file a petition for reinstatement starting on July 24, 2024, at the latest.
The Broncos released a statement saying, “Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously.” “To ensure compliance with the NFL’s gambling policy, the Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources, and support.”
It is strictly forbidden for NFL players and staff to wager on NFL property, reveal any confidential NFL information, visit a sportsbook during the NFL season, or have any kind of social, professional, or personal connection with sports bettors.
They are permitted to place non-sports wagers at legally operated casinos and horse or dog racing tracks on their personal time, including during the season.
The rules have been in place for years, but the league has cracked down on violators as sports gambling becomes legal in more states.
Former Indianapolis cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, linebacker Rashod Berry and free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely last month for betting on NFL games last year. The Colts waived Rodgers and Berry following their suspensions.