NFL Lifts Isaiah Rodgers’ Gambling-Related Suspension

The National Football League (NFL) has reinstated Isaiah Rodgers, a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodgers was banned from competing last year because of gambling-related violations. As a result, he had to sit out an entire football season.

Rodgers, who was playing for the Indianapolis Colts at the time of his suspension, was found guilty of placing over 100 wagers on NFL games. To make matters worse, some of the bets placed from his online betting account were on the Colts’ games.

His biggest wager was a $1,000 prop bet on the over/under on rushing yard by the Colts’ running back, Jonathan Taylor. Rodgers notably won that bet.

The cornerback later insisted that the bets were placed on behalf of other people who were in Florida and didn’t have access to legal wagering at the time. In an interview with an ESPN journalist, Rodgers explained that the majority of wagers he placed were “funny bets” and that it was never about life-changing sums.

Rodgers was released by the Indianapolis Colts on June 29, 2023, the same day he received his suspension. In August, however, he was taken in by the Philadelphia Eagles and is a key part of the team’s upcoming plans.

The NFL Reinstated Five Other Players

Isaiah Rodgers’ return to the NFL comes several days after the league decided to reinstate several other players who had also violated its strict rules on gambling.

These included the Washington Commanders’ edge Shaka Toney, the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Rashod Berry, as well as three ex-Detroit Lions players, including wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety CJ Moore and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor.

These players were able to return to competing despite their previous violations. However, only Toney remained on a team’s roster when the suspension was lifted.

In April 2023, the NFL also issued six-game suspensions to two Detroit Lions players, namely Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill. Their temporary bans eventually expired, allowing the players to return to competing professionally.

The NFL remains very strict about its gambling rules and issued a stern reminder to its 32 teams ahead of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.