The National Football League has suspended four players, including Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, for violating the NFL’s gambling policies during the 2022 season.
Rodgers and Colts’ linebacker Rashod Berry were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games last year. The NFL’s investigation into Rodgers was disclosed in June, with ESPN’s Stephen Holder reporting that Rodgers was alleged to have bet on approximately 100 games in amounts varying from $25-$50 to in the low four-figures.
The 25-year-old cornerback was one of the top defensive backs in the Colts’ secondary and was projected to make $2.743 million this upcoming season. As a result of the suspension, he’ll forfeit his entire salary and not be eligible for free agency in 2024.
Berry, undrafted in 2020, was signed by Indianapolis off the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2022 season. In his NFL career, the 6-foot-4 linebacker played in only eight games, totaling just four combined tackles. The Colts waived Berry and Rodgers following their suspensions.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy. 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.”
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard on releasing Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry
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The NFL also suspended Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere for six games. During the 2022 season, league investigators found the Titans’ starting right tackle bet on non-NFL games while at the team’s facility. In a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Petit-Frere acknowledged betting on non-NFL games. Under NFL rules, betting on any sport while on the league or team grounds is subject to a six-game suspension.
Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor, who played for the team last season, was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2022. Undrafted last year, the 24-year-old defensive lineman spent last year on Detroit’s practice squad. He was released by the team in May.
Entering the 2023 NFL season, nine players have been suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. Petit-Frere, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and free agent Stanley Berryhill are the only players to receive six-game bans.