Indianapolis Colts Player Faces NFL Betting Investigation Over Dozens Of Wagers


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NFL betting

The Indiana Gaming Commission acknowledged Monday an NFL betting investigation involving an Indianapolis Colts player later identified as Isaiah Rodgers Sr. 

The Colts also confirmed the existence of the NFL betting probe into whether Rodgers, a cornerback and kick returner, violated the league’s gambling policy. 

Rodgers later tweeted an apology:

“I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation,” Rodgers said. “The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about.

“I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

Statements on NFL betting probe

A spokesperson for the Indiana gaming regulator emailed a statement to LSR

“We have received information pertaining to this matter and we are following developments. The IGC is not the lead agency on this matter, as it involves alleged violations of a league policy at this point. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to determine what, if any, regulatory actions are necessary.” 

The Colts also issued a statement, saying:

“We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and will have no further comment at this time.”

A league spokesperson told LSR via email it had “nothing to add” on the matter. SportsHandle first reported specifics of the investigation. 

NFL betting investigation at a glance

Rodgers made about 100 wagers (most in the $25-$50 range) through a sportsbook account that was opened in the name of an associate of his, ESPN reported. He also wagered on his own team, the report said.

The league previously suspended Calvin Ridley for the entire 2022 season for making multiple parlay bets. That included making parlay wagers which included his former team at the time, the Atlanta Falcons.  

The NFL reinstated Ridley, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, in March.

Lions, Commanders under probe

NFL players have been investigated for alleged gambling violations recently at an accelerated pace. 

In April, five players, including four members of the Detroit Lions, were suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. 

Detroit wide receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill each received six-game bans for wagering on non-NFL games on the property of the team’s practice facility, which is prohibited.

Meanwhile, receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney each received at least a one-year suspension. The Lions released Berryhill, Cephus and Moore following their bans. 

NFL betting probes to come

A fifth member of last season’s Lions is also under investigation, according to The Athletic. Meanwhile, prior to the Indianapolis probe, ESPN reported about a second wave of potential violations. 

Given its sports betting partnership ties, the NFL can ill-afford to face regular investigations that call its integrity into question.

Meanwhile, the regulated sports betting industry can hang its hat on the fact that having regulation in place has led to players being found and disciplined for breaking the rules.  

Is league educating its players enough?

At least one player does not feel the NFL is doing enough to educate its players. However, many would say they should be well-aware of the consequences by now.

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere told The Tennessean

“I’ll be honest with you: There wasn’t really a lot of teaching from the NFL and things like that. I was actually one of the people who asked the most questions when it came to fantasy football and things like that. I just wanted to make sure I learned as much as I could.”