The NFL suspended an Arizona Cardinals executive last week for violating the league’s sports betting policy.
Following an investigation, the NFL announced an indefinite suspension of Arizona’s Director of College Scouting Ryan Gold for allegedly providing confidential and non-public information about the team’s 2026 draft selections. The league also found Gold was placing parlays on NFL and college football games.
“The Gambling Policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, strictly prohibits anyone in the NFL from participating in or facilitating any form of sports gambling, and from providing third parties non-public information,” the league said in a statement. “Although there is no reason to believe the integrity of an NFL game was affected, the League takes any violation of the Gambling Policy with the utmost seriousness.”
Gold’s sports betting violation
Gold was promoted to director of college scouting in 2025 and is in his 13th season with the Cardinals.
Gold is appealing the suspension, according to ESPN. His attorney, Mike Caspino, said in a statement to ESPN the allegations concerning sports betting are “blatantly false.”
According to ESPN, Caspino said Gold’s wife was placing $10 weekly bets with high school friends and Gold was not involved. He also said only team owner Michael Bidwill and GM Monti Ossenfort were aware of the draft selections ahead of the picks.
Cardinals cooperating
The Cardinals cooperates with the league’s investigation.
“The NFL’s policies and expectations for all employees are clear, comprehensive and consistently communicated,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We fully support the league’s decision in this matter, which involves a single employee.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the start of the training camp next week and the 2026 season.”
The NFL did not find any other individuals involved.
NFL’s sports betting policy
The NFL’s gambling policy covers the more than 20,000 individuals associated with the league.
The NFL betting policy includes that players must not:
- Place bets on NFL football.
- Throw or fix NFL games or events.
- Manipulate or attempt to manipulate any play or other aspect of a game.
- Share confidential, non-public information about NFL games, players or events with a third party.
The NFL suspended 10 players for violating the gambling policy in 2023. Since then, the league increased its player education and awareness programs.
