Four players have been punished by the NFL, the league announced on Thursday, for breaking its gambling rules.
For placing bets on NFL games during the 2022 season, free agent Demetrius Taylor, along with Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry, will be suspended permanently, at least until the end of the 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans player Nicholas Petit-Frere will miss the first six regular-season games of 2023 due to his involvement in non-NFL sports wagering at the club.
After the 2023 season, Rodgers, Berry, and Taylor may submit a reinstatement petition. After Rodgers and Berry’s indefinite bans were announced, the Colts released them.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement following the release of Rodgers and Berry. “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
Rodgers issued a statement on June 5 saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
The gambling policy prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility, per the league.
“We have been made aware of Nick’s suspension by the league,” the Titans said in a statement Thursday. “We believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization. We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”
Thursday’s news is the latest in what has become a string of offseason gambling suspensions in 2023. On April 21, the league suspended Lions receivers Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and safety C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.