The NFL punished three players indefinitely and another for six games for breaching the league’s gambling policy.
redskins defensive back Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and defensive end Rashod Berry, as well as free agency defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor,
who last played for the Detroit Lions in 2022, were both suspended indefinitely. They were suspected of betting on league games last
season.
The Colts promptly waived Rodgers, who was expected to be one of the team’s starting cornerbacks next season, and Berry.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling
policy,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard stated in a statement obtained by The Hill. “The game’s integrity is extremely important.
As an organization, we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff about the policies in place and the serious repercussions
that may result from noncompliance.”
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere received a six-game suspension for wagering on non-NFL sports at the team’s
facilities. Petit-Frere, a second-year standout at Ohio State University, will still be able to participate in all summer and preseason
activities, including preseason games.
Petit-Frere told ESPN that the betting he did was not tied to the NFL and was lawful under Tennessee state law, adding that it was
only sanctioned because it took place at the team’s facilities.
“I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates, and Titans fans,” Petit-Frere, who started 16 games as a right tackle for the
Titans last season, said. “Throughout my life, I have attempted to obey the rules. I did not knowingly violate the rules. Even after
attending a league presentation, I was unfamiliar with the specifics of putting wagers from a team facility.”
The suspensions announced on Thursday are the latest in a league-wide effort to reduce player betting. In April, five players — four from the Detroit Lions and one from the Washington Commanders — were suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. The
league suspended Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, and Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney indefinitely
for betting on NFL games.
