The NFL is in the midst of their second major gambling investigation of the offseason.
In April, five players were punished for violating the league’s gambling policy, including Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams, who received a 6 game suspension for gambling on college sports while at the Lion’s facility. WR Quintez Cephus and S C.J. Moore were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games, and then were subsequently released from the team.
This follows the reinstatement of former Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley, who missed the entire 2022 season for betting on NFL games. Ridley, who was traded while suspended, will now take the field this year as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sources have told me that the #Colts player under investigation for multiple gambling infractions is CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr. pic.twitter.com/a5x1uKGQff
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) June 5, 2023
While it isn’t clear as of yet as to the extent of Rodgers violation of the policy, he took to twitter to address the situation.
“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” Rodgers tweeted. “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. 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,” the DB wrote.
Though the Colts have yet to make a statement confirming it is Rodgers under scrutiny, or that he is the only NFL player involved, they have confirmed they are aware of the ongoing investigation.
According to a report, there was a sportsbook account opened under the name of an associate of Rodgers, with over 100 bets placed since it began. Most bets were reportedly in the $25-$50 range, although there was at least one four figure bet placed. The worrisome part of the report is that there were bets placed on Colts games, so if Rodgers was involved, he will be looking at a very serious punishment.
Rodgers, a former 6th round pick, is entering his 4th season in the league, and the final year of his rookie deal. He started 9 games for the Colts last season, playing more than 40% of the team’s defensive snaps for the second straight year. He is also a valuable special teamer, returning 18 kickoffs in 2022. He finished the campaign with 34 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
Despite the NFL being one of the biggest benefactors to the more recent betting push across North America, their gambling policy prohibits any NFL personnel from gambling in any manner while in a club or team facility.
Indianapolis will be hoping that rookie corners Darius Rush and Julius Brents will be able to step in and take over Rodgers snaps in 2023 as his suspension figures to be a long one. Rodgers hasn’t been present at team workouts recently as the investigation continues.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: US Department of Agriculture.