The Indianapolis Colts released cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and linebacker Rashod Berry following the announcement that both players were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games.
Stephen Holder of ESPN reported on June 5 that Rodgers was under investigation for betting on NFL games, accused of placing approximately 100 bets during the 2022 NFL season. While a majority of the bets were in the $25-$50 range, he placed a four-figure prop bet on a Colts’ running back hitting the over for rushing yards.
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Immediately after the reports surfaced of the ongoing investigation, Rodgers released a statement acknowledging his mistakes and apologized for his actions.
“I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation,” Rodgers wrote. “The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”
Former Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Isaiah Rodgers’ apology
On Thursday, the NFL announced Rodgers and Berry were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games last season. Both players must miss the entire 2023 season before they can apply for reinstatement in 2024.
The loss of Rodgers, a former sixth-round pick in 2020, will impact the Colts’ defense. is especially significant because he was improving each year in the Colts’ system. After allowing a 71.4 percent completion rate in coverage as a rookie, per Pro Football Reference, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 58.6 percent completion rate this past year.
As of right now, the Colts’ cornerback room is very young. Veteran Kenny Moore has the most starts (74) of the group and he’s mainly been the team’s slot corner. It was previously reported that the Colts organization had no idea that a member of their team was under investigation until the news broke.
At this point, it remains to be seen what the Colts do with their cornerback room. There are quite a few recognizable names still available on the free agent market. And the individual player talent ranges amongst that group as well. However, the team could decide to throw their youth into the fire and see what happens. This would not be the first time a move like this has been done during the Ballard administration.