The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has found himself in some hot water recently. The WR was caught betting on his own team. He was really gambling on his club, not a metaphor. After the incident, the NFL has decided to ban the Falcons receiver for at least one year.
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The league released an official statement on Monday announcing Ridley’s suspension. The decision has split the football fans in two. With #freecalvinridley some fans and players are in support of the wide receiver’s antics. While the fans absolutely do not accept what he did.
How it all went down
Around Halloween last year, Calvin Ridley took some time off from football. The Falcons receiver said he wanted to get some personal life stuff in order. He wanted to take some time to improve his mental health. Ridley was added to the non-football injury list. But during that time, he bet on some NFL games over a five-day stretch.
On Monday, the league found out about Ridley’s gambling problems. The officials have decided to suspend the wide receiver for one season. After Calvin was caught, he said that he bet a total of $1,500. The athlete claims that he does not have a gambling problem. He also tweeted about how he cannot even watch football anymore.
I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
The league has determined that the 27-year-old placed multi-legged parlay bets from his mobile. He bet on his own team. The NFL also said that he bet on three, five, and eight games. They found out about Calvin’s betting activity through his relationship with the legal sports betting industry.
What do the officials and the fans say about Calvin Ridley?
“There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success.” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Ridley. “The reputation of everyone associated with our league — than upholding the integrity of the game.” This is what the fans have to say about it:
People who stand with Calvin Ridley:
I stand with Calvin #freeCalvin #Moderation https://t.co/wqd7aF3olL
— Rick George (@RICKJAMESGEORGE) March 7, 2022
Damn 😪 I feel you bro.
He was tailing my picks and everything. #FreeCalvin #GamblingTwitter pic.twitter.com/KYwrgW8VVz— TOM〽️Y LOCK (@BarTabTommy) March 7, 2022
So your whole life they tell you to bet on yourself then when you do….. they suspend you #SMH #freecalvin https://t.co/6yf1JJ5F2h
— Gee Ford Sr (@FitnessFord) March 7, 2022
NFL as an org is such hypocrites, if you don't want people to gamble, don't get into bed with gambling websites#FreeCalvin #FreeCalvinRidley #NFL
— Lisa Lightner (@dontiepalone) March 8, 2022
He bet on his team to win? I'm sold. #FreeCalvin https://t.co/o1W8b1NzPu
— Chris Walker (@Chris_T_W) March 7, 2022
No Fun League #freeCalvin https://t.co/QEAM6D82aZ
— 👻 (@RofaKINGzeLL) March 8, 2022
#FreeCalvinRidley I stand with Calvin!
— not anthony mackie (@swagbeast445) March 7, 2022
This is trash. free Calvin https://t.co/jF3wLwGa2y
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) March 8, 2022
@NFL I think there’s something a little off here. But what do I know. #FreeCalvinRidley #Browns pic.twitter.com/3QgNEBNl0w
— Matty 7171 (@Matty7171) March 8, 2022
The fans who stand with the league:
Calvin Ridley's penalty is a good one. The low $$$ gambled coupled w/fact the NFL is now gambling-friendly? 1 year is just. He's lucky it's not 5 years ago where NFL still hated gambling & it would've been a lifetime ban. NFL did him a bit of a favor. The guy bet on his own team.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) March 8, 2022
I’m actually surprised Calvin Ridley didnt get a lifetime ban. The amount of money he bet (a total of $1,500) doesn’t matter nor the fact that he wasn’t playing at the time. The fact that he’s an active NFL player and the perception that he MIGHT have inside information…
— Quentin Bienemy (@SportsTalkQue) March 8, 2022
Got to credit the NFL with the severity of Calvin Ridley’s ban. Given how much they’ve embraced gambling recently it’s very important they lay down a marker about anything that could damage the integrity of the sport.
— Sam Farley (@FarleyWrites) March 7, 2022
Calvin Ridley: “I’m betting on the Falcons to win!”
FanDuel: pic.twitter.com/Wh2YXiwlRA
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 7, 2022
Calvin Ridley bet $1500 and lost $10 million, those are the worst odds in gambling history
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 7, 2022
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Man I hate Calvin Ridley no fucking cap
— CHAMPION OF DA WORLD (@bigneenrod) March 5, 2022
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It is clear that the decision to suspend the Falcons wide receiver has split the football fans in two. Some people are standing in support of the player. But to some fans, sports means everything. They will never accept someone tampering with the reputation of football. The game is prestigious to them. The fans believe that Ridley should be suspended for way more than just a single season. What is your stance on this situation?
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