Earlier on Monday, a report emerged out of the blue about an unknown Indianapolis Colts player being under investigation for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
Now, thanks to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the unnamed Colts player has been revealed as fourth-year cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
The cornerback also released a statement after these allegations became public record.
“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. 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 judgement, 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.”
Isaiah Rodgers statement on gambling allegations
Rodgers, 25, allegedly placed roughly 100 bets on sports events using an “associate’s” account over an unknown period of time. This reportedly included betting on Colts games and usually ranged somewhere between $25-$50, with as many as one smaller four-figure bet.
While the results of the NFL’s investigation may not be known for quite some time, Rodgers had been set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. He was set to earn $2.7 million in 2023, by far the largest amount of his career thus far, after previously topping out at $895,000 last season.
The Colts have released a statement acknowledging their awareness of the NFL’s ongoing investigation into Rodgers’ actions, but the team is reserving further comments at this time.
Rodgers is not the first to be linked to violating the NFL’s gambling policy in recent time. The league suspended five players in April, including Detroit’s Jameson Williams, for six games. This follows Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for the entire 2022 season for committing similar violations.
- Isaiah Rodgers stats last season: 34 tackles (1 TFL), 3 PD, 1 FF
- 18 kick returns for 452 yards – 25.1 yards per return
Expected to play a bigger role following Stephon Gilmore’s departure this offseason, if the NFL deems Rodgers violated the gambling policy, expect a suspension to follow for the Colts’ cornerback/kick returner, who’s started ten games in the past two seasons. For his part, Rodgers released a statement hours after his name was publicly disclosed in report.
The Colts drafted three cornerbacks in April. Depending on the investigation results, the rookies could get a much bigger chance to prove themselves than expected.
Related: NFL reportedly investigating fifth Detroit Lions player for gambling