The National Football League has announced this afternoon that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the entire upcoming 2022 season after he was found to have been gambling on games this past season.
Ridley will not be eligible for reinstatement until February 15, 2023. He can appeal the decision if he files within three days, though it isn’t immediately known if he will do so.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the following statement after news of the suspension was announced:
“There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success – and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league – than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. 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.”
It wasn’t long before football fans immediately began chiming in on social media, with some clever responses included in the various reactions.
https://twitter.com/sumoGondola/status/1500937487719583748?s=20&t=iWj3qiL_IXkGEmoX6-DCmg
https://twitter.com/_callmedj11/status/1500933950750998533?s=20&t=iWj3qiL_IXkGEmoX6-DCmg
https://twitter.com/mattkomi34/status/1500936049702408199?s=20&t=iWj3qiL_IXkGEmoX6-DCmg
The hell?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? https://t.co/RaMYroPFPf
— Matt Chernoff (@RealMattlanta) March 7, 2022
All of this talent at the combine for UGA and Atlanta Falcons will be picking an OL from New Mexico state first round.
— Christopher (@229christopher) March 6, 2022
— LeBartho (@LilBartho) March 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/bradeyp28/status/1500934190044434434?s=20&t=iWj3qiL_IXkGEmoX6-DCmg
Calvin Ridley after sitting out and betting on the Falcons to be under 500 for the season: pic.twitter.com/4303OIOncG
— Rosa Parks’ Burner Account (@Rosasburner) March 7, 2022
I don't think this is an overreaction: he cannot play for the Atlanta Falcons again. Period.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) March 7, 2022
Calvin Ridley after betting on the Falcons to lose: pic.twitter.com/rS1lxOTnNx
— Karan (@Karan8263) March 7, 2022
— Draco 🚀 (@dracodzns) March 7, 2022
there's no way i can let my future children root for the atlanta falcons. they're getting mahomes jerseys immediately.
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) March 7, 2022
Ridley in the USFL next year pic.twitter.com/odv0gXogxf
— Airborne Cheeseburger (@aircheeseburger) March 7, 2022
His mistake was not giving the nfl their tribute
— Terry Roth (@TerryRo90748269) March 7, 2022
Calvin after betting on the Falcons to lose pic.twitter.com/Yv1Sjs35gf
— 𝙺𝚢𝚕𝚎 𓃵 (@KyleReims) March 7, 2022
