Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley files for reinstatement from gambling suspension

Calvin Ridley – refer to caption – CC BY-SA

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has requested that his suspension for betting on games in 2021 be lifted for the 2022 season.

The 28-year-old became eligible for reinstatement on February 15 and has begun the application process. His petition will be reviewed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who will have the final say on whether or not to reinstate him.

Ridley, who hasn’t played since October 24, 2021, responded to Schefter’s report on Twitter, saying, “Can’t wait man.”

On November 1, the Jaguars acquired Ridley from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2024. The conditional pick could increase in value to a second-round pick if the Jaguars extend Ridley’s contract.

Ian Rapoport

2022-11-01 18:59

Shocker: The #Falcons are trading WR Calvin Ridley to the #Jaguars, sources say, in exchange for complex draft compensation that can be worth at maximum a 2023 5th rounder and a 2024 2nd rounder. Ridley is suspended through at least the 2022 season. https://t.co/Zk6Yb7U5F3

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If his suspension is lifted, Ridley will receive a guaranteed $11.116 million in 2023 as a fifth-year option from his rookie contract with the Falcons after being drafted as the 26th pick in 2018.

Previously, the NFL informed the Falcons of their investigation on February 9, 2022, which discovered that Ridley had bet on NFL games over five days in November 2021.

In March, a source told Schefter that the league had found that Ridley placed parlay bets, including on the Falcons to win, via his mobile device outside the state.

While Ridley was out for mental health reasons on March 7, he was suspended technically indefinitely with the right to return after the 2022 season. The NFL claimed no evidence that Ridley’s teammates or coaches had been aware of his betting activities. The league also confirmed that no games had been compromised.

Ridley addressed the suspension on social media shortly after it was issued. He posted on Twitter that he did not “have a gambling problem” and only bet $1,500 when he “couldn’t even watch football.”

Ridley played 49 games for the Falcons, catching 248 passes for 3,342 yards and 28 touchdowns. In 2020, he was named to the All-Pro second team after recording 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.