The suspension will last at least through the conclusion of the 2022 season, the NFL said. Ridley, 27, may petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023.
In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote, “Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.
“For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”
The NFL’s investigation found no evidence that any game was compromised in any way by Ridley’s actions. Nor was there evidence suggesting any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates, or other players of his betting activity, an NFL statement said. The league did not specify which games Ridley gambled on.
CNN has reached out to the NFL Players Association and Ridley’s agents for comment.
Ridley: ‘I don’t have a gambling problem’
In a statement following news of Ridley’s suspension Monday, the Atlanta Falcons said, “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on (February) 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”
Ridley won two national championships during his time at the University of Alabama and was a first-round draft pick for the Falcons in 2018.