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.
To be clear, this is in addition to everything the team is doing to educate players. Pederson says Ridley can be a resource. He has a cautionary tale to tell.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) June 12, 2023
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.
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