The NFL has announced more suspensions related to violations of the league’s gambling policy.
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and linebacker Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor, a one-time Detroit Lion, are suspended indefinitely through the 2023 season for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season.
The Colts have waived both players, who may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Rodgers, a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has three interceptions since entering the league from UMass. He figured to be in the starting mix this season. Earlier this month, Rodgers said he wants to take “full responsibility’ for breaking league rules.
Evidently that includes losing his roster spot.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Additionally, offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans is suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility.
He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games.
“Firstly I wanted to say that it’s an honor to play in the NFL and has been a blessing to play this game,” Petit-Frere said in a statement to the team website.
“…The betting I engaged in was NOT NFL related and was legal under Tennessee law. It is only being sanctioned because it occurred at the Titans facility. I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates and Titans fans. I have always strived in every stage of my life to follow the rules. I did not knowingly break the rules. Even after attending a league presentation, I was unaware about the specifics around placing bets from a team facility. I will do everything in my power to help the team during training camp and will be prepared when I return to the roster during the season.”
A third-round draft pick of the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, Petit-Frere started 16 games at right tackle during his rookie season.
This is the latest round of NFL players in hot water for alleged sports gambling.
The NFL suspended five players for gambling policy violations in April.
Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, as well as Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games.
Lions’ receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL games from an NFL facility.
The Lions have taken steps to educate their players about sports betting, but those suspensions followed the suspension of then-Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley for the entirety of the 2022 season after he was found to be betting on NFL games.
NFL players are prohibited from betting on NFL games and from sports betting in general while they are at team facilities.