Agent predicts shocking number of NFL gambling-related suspensions

One unnamed agent suggested the NFL is essentially still in an opening wave of players receiving suspensions for violations of the league's gambling policies. 

"There’s a part of me that thinks we are going to wind up dealing with 30 of these," the agent told Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic for a piece published Friday. 

That agent spoke after it was learned Thursday that two then-Indianapolis Colts players, free agent Demetrius Taylor and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere were all popped for violating league rules related to gambling. Indianapolis subsequently waived Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry after they earned indefinite suspensions that run through at least the entire upcoming campaign for betting on NFL games last season. Petit-Frere will miss six games for betting on non-NFL sports at what is considered to be a team or league facility.

ESPN mentioned that the NFL has thus far suspended nine players this year for violations of its gambling policies. Kahler noted those policies are not collectively bargained and that commissioner Roger Goodell has the final say in determining punishments related to wagering. One agent who had a client investigated for gambling ripped the NFL Players Association for failing to take stronger actions to prevent gambling-related suspensions. 

"I think the union is doing a bad job," that agent explained. "The NFLPA needs to go to the league and say, let’s get a grip on this thing from a collective standpoint."

Former New York Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason criticized players for not knowing every league rule regarding gambling but also hit out at the NFLPA for seemingly not going out of the way to educate players on what is and isn't permitted. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams previously picked up a six-game ban and said earlier this spring he didn't know he couldn't place non-NFL bets from inside a club or league facility. 

"Two of the agents interviewed say their clients are adamant that they were not taught the details of the gambling policy beyond the obvious edict: Don’t bet on the NFL," Kahler wrote. The league held a conference call earlier this month detailing gambling rules for all players, but it seems future suspensions are inevitable since some apparently didn't know they were violating policies from last season into this spring. 

"It’s a situation where the NFL is holding all the cards," an agent told Kahler. "It’s not a fair process."