NFL announces major suspension for Falcons WR Calvin Ridley!

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley rolled the dice and lost. 

The National Football League has announced this afternoon that Ridley has been suspended for the entire upcoming 2022 season after he was found to have been gambling on games this past season. 

"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today suspended Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season," a league statement reads. "The activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club's facility on the non-football illness list."

"A league investigation uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way," the statement continued. 

Commissioner Goodell released the following statement: 

"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success - and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league - than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions." 

According to the NFL, Ridley will not be eligible for reinstatement until February 15, 2023. He can appeal the decision if he files within three days, though it isn't immediately known if he will do so.