Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley is in line for a long layoff. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Calvin Ridley was close to being traded before suspension

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 3/7/22

Calvin Ridley’s shocking suspension for gambling on NFL games may have scuttled a trade, according to a new report.

The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver was suspended for the 2022 season after it emerged that he placed bets on NFL games in November. Ridley had taken a leave of absence from the Falcons on Oct. 31 and was not playing when he placed his bets.

There was still lingering uncertainty about Ridley’s status when the offseason started. However, some teams felt that they were close to trading for the wide receiver, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. The Falcons chose to pull back on trade negotiations when they became aware of the NFL’s investigation.

A couple of teams thought they were close to a trade for Calvin Ridley recently. The Falcons pulled back when they knew he was being investigated so as not to put this issue on another team

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 7, 2022

The fact that Ridley was apparently subject to trade discussions is not a shock, as the possibility had been raised earlier in the offseason.

The 27-year-old receiver reportedly bet on his own team, though he was not receiving inside information when he did. That still likely contributed to the severity of the suspension.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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