The NFL has suspended New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin for violating the league’s policy on gambling on sports.
ESPN and NFL Network reported that the suspension is for at least one year. Austin is appealing the suspension.
Austin did not bet on NFL games, according to his counsel.
“The NFL suspended Miles Austin for wagering from a legal mobile account on table games and non-NFL professional sports,” Bill Deni said in a statement on behalf of his client. “Miles did not wager on any NFL game in violation of the Gambling Policy for NFL Personnel. He has been fully cooperative with the NFL’s investigation.”
Austin, 38, is in his second season coaching the Jets’ receivers.
He is best known for his 10-year NFL playing career with the Dallas Cowboys (2006-13), Cleveland Browns (2014) and Philadelphia Eagles (2015). Austin went from being undrafted out of Monmouth to becoming a two-time Pro Bowler with Dallas. He finished his career with 361 receptions, 5,273 yards and 38 total touchdowns (37 receiving).
ESPN reported that Austin had been placing bets while inside the Jets’ facility, and that he hasn’t been with the team since Tuesday. He wasn’t with the team for Thursday’s 19-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports.
The NFL has business partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbooks, but it continues to uphold a no-tolerance policy for its personnel gambling on sports, even outside of football.
Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley is currently serving a year-long ban for placing bets on NFL games that did not involve his team at the time of the suspension, the Atlanta Falcons.
–Field Level Media