Isaiah Rodgers Sr. returns to NFL after gambling suspension

Lea Hogg April 24, 2024

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Isaiah Rodgers Sr. returns to NFL after gambling suspension

The National Football League (NFL) has reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr., following a suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. Rodgers, who missed the entire 2023 season due to the suspension, is now expected to compete for significant playing time in the upcoming 2024 season.

Rodgers was suspended in June 2023 for placing bets on NFL games through an online sportsbook. The 26-year-old player, who joined the Eagles two months after his suspension, claimed that the bets made from the sportsbook account registered in his name were on behalf of friends and family in Florida. At that time, online betting was not authorized in Florida until December 2023.

The NFL’s gambling policy strictly prohibits all forms of wagering on league games ahttps://www.alopecia-sydney.com/news/super-bowl-2023-philadelphia-eagles-take-on-kansas-chiefs/nd within team facilities. Despite this, Rodgers placed over 100 bets for others, with the average bet amount ranging between $25 and $50. Notably, Rodgers, a sixth-round pick from UMass, also placed a $1,000 bet on the over/under rushing yards for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.

Rodgers’ career stats include 90 combined tackles and three interceptions in 45 games. His reinstatement comes as part of a larger wave of reinstatements by the NFL, which also lifted the suspensions of five other players earlier this week. These players, all free agents entering the upcoming season, include defensive end Shaka Toney, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, defensive end Rashod Berry, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive end Demetrius Taylor.

Both Berry and Rodgers were members of the Colts when they were suspended in 2023. Another player, Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, who was suspended for allegedly wagering on league games in 2022, can petition for reinstatement in July.

The NFL’s strict stance on gambling aims to maintain the integrity of the sport. However, the recent wave of suspensions and reinstatements highlights the challenges the league faces in navigating the complex landscape of sports betting.

Other notable cases

There have been several notable cases of NFL player suspensions in recent years. Here are a few:

Jameson Williams: A wide receiver for the Lions, Williams was suspended for six games for betting on college football games while at the Lions’ practice facility.
Stanley Berryhill: Also a wide receiver for the Lions, Berryhill was suspended for six games for betting on college games inside Detroit’s practice facility.
Derrius Guice: In 2021, this running back was suspended for six games due to domestic violence.
Antonio Brown: In 2020, this wide receiver was suspended for eight games due to multiple violations of the personal conduct policy.
Kareem Hunt: In 2019, this Cleveland running back was suspended for eight games following an assault that was caught on video.

These cases highlight the NFL’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and enforcing its policies on personal conduct and gambling.