The NFL is taking a strong stance on enforcing its gambling policy, as evidenced by a quartet of hefty suspensions announced on Thursday.
However, New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones is pushing back on what he perceives to be a bit of a double standard in the league’s reasoning.
The Pats veteran cornerback took to social media to voice his confusion on the regulations which yielded the indefinite suspension of three players indefinitely, with the other given a six-game suspension.
Jones’ comments appeared to indicate that the NFL may be showing greater concern for their gambling policies than for player safety.
When informed on Twitter that any bets on NFL games would compromise the "integrity of the game," Jones had a counter proposal.
"You could limit bets to be only for your team's benefit," he wrote.
Jones dubiety regarding the NFL’s intentions come in the wake of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and linebacker Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, being suspended through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was suspended for the team’s first six regular season games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility. He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games.
The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.
Jones, however, is not the only Patriots connection to this situation. Berry was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly earned a unique distinction as someone capable of playing both sides of the ball; having done so during his time at Ohio State. Despite showing the ability to play a hybrid fullback/receiver role, Berry aligned mostly at linebacker. Though he was waived during final roster cuts, Berry subsequently signed to the team's practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on Oct. 17 (Week 6 vs. Denver Broncos) and Dec. 5 (Week 13, vs. Los Angeles Chargers;) reverting to the scout team after each game. Berry spent the 2021 offseason and much of the preseason with the Patriots, before being waived by the team in August.
Both Berry and Rodgers have been released by Indianapolis, while Petit-Frere currently remains with Tennessee.
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
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