NFL makes major move on gambling with player violations on the rise
The NFL's enforcement of gambling rules and regulations has taken a major step this season. The league is requiring players to take an in-person gambling education class this season. According to a report from the Associated Press, players on each team will attend the mandatory class at the team's facility before the start of the 2024 NFL season.
During the session, players are reminded of the major rules of the NFL's gambling policy. Gambling on football games, the NFL draft, or any other league-related event is absolutely illegal. Players are also not allowed to have anybody else place a bet for them. Players are also barred from betting on sports, card games, or at casinos while at the team's facility or on a road trip to an away game.
Participating in daily fantasy football and sportsbooks is also against the rules. Sharing team information with others to help their odds at gambling is also prohibited.
How many NFL players were suspended for gambling in the past five years?
The National Football League hadn't dealt with major gambling violations until the 2023 season. In 2023, the league suspended a total of 10 players; before that, the National Football League had only suspended five players for gambling in the history of the league.
Detroit Lions Alex Karras was the first player ever suspended in 1963. He was suspended for an entire season, along with Green Bay Packers kicker Paul Hornung for betting up to $500 on games.
In 1983, quarterback Art Schlichter was suspended after he was accused of losing over $380,000 in bets.
It wasn't until 2019 that the NFL would levy its next suspension. Arizona Cardinals cornerback Josh Shaw was suspended for a full season when he was accused of betting on football games while he was out with an injury.
In 2022, wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended and missed an entire season before the NFL reinstated him. The league didn't give exact details of what Ridley was accused of, simply that he violated the gambling policy.
In 2023, the Detroit Lions had four players suspended for violating the league's gambling rules. Wide receiver Jamison Williams (six games), safety C.J. Moore, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and wide receiver Stanley Berryhill (six games) were all suspended by the league. Cephus and Moore were both released by the Lions.
Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was suspended indefinitely by the league for betting on football games last April. Tennessee Titans tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was suspended six games for betting on other sports at the team facility last September.
Last June, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was suspended for one year for placing bets on others. Colts linebacker Rashod Berry was also given an indefinite suspension as he was found to be betting on games.
Denver Broncos Eyioma Uwazurike was also suspended for a season after he bet on games in the 2022 season.