The NFL could drop a heavy hammer on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Isaiah Rodgers Sr. pending the results of a gambling investigation.
SportsHandle reported Monday that the NFL was investigating a Colts player for “pervasive” betting, which included wagers made at the team’s facility. Some bets involved the Colts.
ESPN later identified the player as Rodgers, who posted a statement taking “full responsibility” for his actions.
While a lengthy suspension seems likely, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes the NFL could go one step further and ban Rodgers from the league. He cited a section of the league’s gambling policy that opens the door for the drastic measure.
The NFL’s gambling policy gives the Commissioner broad discretion to determine Isaiah Rodgers’s punishment. Potential punishment includes banishment from the NFL for life. https://t.co/i0iQ8cspPf
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 6, 2023
“Apparent or alleged violations of this Policy by NFL Personnel will continue to be decided by the Commissioner or his designee on a case-by-case basis,” the policy says. “Violations of this Policy constitute conduct detrimental to the League and will subject the involved club and/or person(s) to appropriate disciplinary action by the Commissioner. Disciplinary action may include, without limitation, severe penalties up to and including a fine, termination of employment and/or banishment from the NFL for life.”
Details of his gambling activity will determine the NFL’s decision. If Rodgers ever bet on the Colts to lose, Florio claimed he’ll face “a no-questions-asked banishment.”
The NFL suspended Calvin Ridley for the entire 2022 season, and three players (Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, and Shaka Toney) received the same punishment this year for gambling violations. Banishing a player could send an even stronger message that the league takes these manners seriously.