Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley watched the entire 2022 season from home while suspended indefinitely after an NFL investigation found he bet on games in 2021.
In an open letter published on The Players Tribune in March, Ridley said he “f***ed up” and “made a stupid mistake.” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson is hoping the veteran receiver can help make sure his new teammates don’t follow the same path.
“Obviously what Calvin has gone through is definitely a testimony to the rest of our football team,” Pederson said Monday during a press conference. “I don’t want to put Calvin in a spotlight situation, I don’t want to bring all this attention on him. But at the same time, I have mentioned to the team that if they’re going through anything or they’re tempted in any way, reach out to Calvin, he’d be a great resource to talk to.
“Calvin’s been open to that, now whether or not he’s had conversations, I can’t speak to that. Obviously we’re at a day and age where gambling is everywhere. With all the websites that are out there, apps, and all that kind of stuff, we have to be very careful.”
In the time since Ridley’s punishment, several more NFL players have received suspensions for betting on sports. Four Detroit Lions players, including 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams, are set to miss the beginning of the upcoming season, and Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is reportedly the subject of a gambling investigation.
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