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Jaguars using WR's gambling suspension for education
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jaguars using WR's gambling suspension for education

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Monday that his players are talking with wide receiver Calvin Ridley about his gambling suspension to educate themselves on the matter.

Ridley was suspended indefinitely for betting on games during the 2021 season and missed the entire 2022 campaign due to the punishment. The former 1,000-yard receiver was acquired by the Jaguars in November last year and was reinstated to the NFL in March.

In April, five players (including four from the Detroit Lions) were suspended for violating the league's gambling policy. Less than two weeks later, the NFL Players Association issued an alert to agents, telling them to inform players to be cautious if they take part in sports betting.

It was reported last week that Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is expected to be suspended indefinitely and miss the entire 2023 season as the league continues its investigation into his gambling activity. A follow-up report indicated that the NFL was looking into other players as well.

Ridley isn't the only big-name player speaking to his peers about the risks of sports betting. Tom Brady recently taped an "introduction to the league's gambling educational video" that will be shown by all teams at their facilities, according to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver. While Brady never had personal experience with a gambling suspension across his future Hall of Fame career, the league is likely hoping that a message from the "GOAT" will have a lasting impact on young would-be bettors.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball --  in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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