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Indianapolis Colts cornerback and kick return Isaiah Rodgers had a good chance to be a starting cornerback this season. But now, those chances are slim.
The fourth-year player is under investigation by the NFL for a series of more than 100 bets that took place last season, some of which were placed on the Colts. Amid the allegations, Rodgers tweeted out a statement expressing remorse that seemed to be an admission of guilt:
— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) June 6, 2023
NFL rules prohibit players from betting on NFL games, and from placing bets on any sport while in an NFL facility.
Rodgers may have used a proxy account to place sports bets
The league is investigating a sportsbook account opened by someone Rodgers knew, according to a report from ESPN. Someone placed around 100 bets from that account. The majority of the bets were in the range of $25 to $50. Included in those bets were wagers on Colts games.
Reports did not identify Rodgers’ associate, nor did the NFL or the Colts provide any information regarding how many bets Rodgers placed through the account. The Colts and the NFL told ESPN they had no comment on the situation.
The league’s gambling policy states:
“Gambling, particularly betting on NFL games or other sports, presents risks to the integrity of our competition and team cohesion and can undermine the confidence and trust of our fans and colleagues in America’s greatest game.
We, therefore, owe it to our fans, and everyone associated with the League, to take all appropriate steps to safeguard our game against possible threats from illegal gambling as well as gambling in a legal, regulated context.”
What could the consequence be for gambling on sports?
Should the NFL conclude that Rodgers placed sports bets on NFL games, the Colts’ cornerback will likely face a severe penalty. To date, the NFL has handed out four indefinite suspensions to players accused of placing sports bets on NFL games:
- Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus
- Former Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore
- Washingon Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney
- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley
Cephus, Moore, and Toney were suspended earlier this year. The Lions released Cephus and Moore, while Toney is still on the Commanders.
Ridley served a one-year suspension. The NFL reinstated him earlier this year. The star wide receiver was suspended for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season.
Ridley bet on games during a five-day period when Ridley was not playing for the Falcons, according to a press release from the NFL. The NFL allowed Ridley to apply for reinstatement around one year after announcing the suspension.
Rodgers will likely face a harsher penalty than Ridley. The number of bets he placed and the total amount he bet is likely higher than what Ridley gambled, according to reports.
Additionally, Rodgers was a member of the team and played in games during the time he bet. Ridley was not on the Falcons’ roster at the time of his bets.
Those factors point to more serious consequences for Rodgers. While he may get an indefinite suspension like Ridley, Cephus, Moore, and Toney, it’s possible the NFL could extend his reinstatement date from one year to two years or possibly three.
