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Falcons star Calvin Ridley won't return to the court until 2023 at the earliest
Photo: John Bazemore/AP
NFL pro Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons has been suspended until the end of next season for betting on games in his own league.
This was announced by league boss Roger Goodell on Monday.
According to this, Ridley is said to have bet on NFL games within five days last November.
At the time, Ridley was not playing any games, he had withdrawn from training at the end of October due to mental problems.
The league prohibits its players from wagering in any form within the NFL.
According to the league, the 27-year-old wide receiver should not have used insider information or manipulated games.
Coaches, teammates or opposing players are said not to have known about his activities.
In addition, Ridley had cooperated with the investigators and admitted his wrongdoing.
According to media reports, Ridley only bet on the Falcons to win.
Ridley responded with a series of tweets.
"I couldn't even watch football at that point," Ridley wrote.
"I know it was wrong, but I'm getting a year." He also gave details of the amount of the bets: "I wagered a total of 1500 (dollars), I have no gambling problem," Ridley wrote.
The social networks are talking about what is probably the worst bet in history, because the ban also means that Ridley will lose his salary for the coming season: $ 11.1 million.
Open letter from the Commissioner
"Your actions have compromised the integrity of the game, damaged public confidence in professional football and potentially undermined the reputation of your fellow players throughout the NFL," Goodell wrote in an open letter to Ridley.
Betting on NFL games has been "one of the most serious violations of league policy" for decades.
The earliest Ridley can submit an application for his return is February 15, 2023.
Ridley was drafted in the first round in 2018 and was considered one of the best pass receivers in the league until his time out.
Together with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, he should lead the team's offense.
The Falcons experienced a disappointing past season with seven wins, ten losses and missing the playoffs.
hba/sid/Reuters