Is anyone surprised that we’re seeing player suspensions as a result of the NFL gambling policies? With gambling legal in many jurisdictions, it’s easy now for anyone to gamble with their smartphone. And while NFL players should know better, we’re seeing quite a few trip up and break the NFL rules on gambling.
The NFL isn’t messing around. Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts were suspended indefinitely through the end of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games last season. The Colts then waived both players. Free agent Demetrius Taylor was also suspended indefinitely. Each can request reinstatement after the 2023 season is completed. In April, Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders also received similar suspensions.
Other players have received 6-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility, including Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans and Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions.
Agents need to make sure their clients know the rules, most of which are pretty clear.
No betting on NFL games
This one should be obvious. Players are prohibited from betting on NFL games, practices, or events, ever. This includes betting on game outcome, statistics, score, performance of any individual participant, or any other kind of “proposition bet” on which wagering is offered. No betting on the NFL – period. There’s no excuse for the players who broke this rule.
No betting on any sport at NFL facilities
This one seems obvious as well, but it’s not surprising some players screwed this up. Players are prohibited from gambling in any club or league facility, venue, or otherwise. This includes and time traveling on team business, team hotels, stadiums, practice facility, and more. With players tied to their phones, this rule becomes easy to break, and you can see how being careless can lead to a violation.
No casinos during the NFL season
Players are prohibited from entering, visiting, or using a sportsbook at any time during the NFL playing season. This does not include simply passing through a sportsbook to access a permissible area of a casino or hotel complex. This one should be easy to follow, unless you’re a complete idiot.
No sharing of inside information
This one could end up being a real problem for some players and the NFL.
Players are prohibited from sharing any “inside information” regarding their team or the rest of the league with anyone who may bet on NFL games. This includes information about injuries, player availability, game plans, and other strategic or personnel decisions.
Players talk to their friends. You can envision all sorts of scenarios where this becomes a problem. Long term, many will try to find a way to leverage conversations with players for a betting advantage.
No daily fantasy football leagues
Players are allowed to play fantasy football, but they are prohibited from participating in daily fantasy football leagues. This one should be easy to follow.
***
Fans are holding their collective breath every time we hear that the NFL will be announcing new suspensions. A team’s season can be ruined with a few players making dumb choices. Hopefully all the news about these suspensions will help to educate others on the lines drawn by the NFL with their gambling policies.
