Robin Alam/Getty Image
The Indianapolis Colts have cut two players, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and linebacker Rashod Berry, following their indefinite suspensions by the NFL for engaging in gambling activities during the 2022 season.
The league also handed a suspension to free agent defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor for the same offense.
The NFL’s investigation revealed that both Berry and Rodgers had violated the league’s strict rules against gambling on NFL games. As a consequence, they have been suspended for the entirety of the 2023 season.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for their future, as they will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement during the 2024 offseason.
Rashod Berry, a former undrafted free agent from Ohio State, has had a tumultuous journey through the NFL, spending time with the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Colts last year.
Isaiah Rodgers, on the other hand, was selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and contributed as a cornerback and a return man.
The swift decision to cut both players immediately after their suspensions demonstrates the Colts’ firm stance on maintaining integrity within the organization. Gambling on NFL games is strictly prohibited by the league to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition.
In another gambling-related suspension, offensive tackle Nicholas Petit Frere of the Tennessee Titans has been handed a six-game suspension by the NFL. However, his offense differs from that of Berry and Rodgers, as he was found to have been betting on non-NFL games while using the team facilities.
This violation is explicitly forbidden by league rules and had previously led to the suspension of Detroit Lions player Jameson Williams earlier in the offseason.
Petit Frere, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an impressive rookie season, starting all 16 games at right tackle for the Titans. His suspension comes as a significant blow to the team’s offensive line, as he was expected to continue his role as a starter in the upcoming 2023 season.
The NFL remains committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring that all players adhere to the strict guidelines in place.
Gambling on NFL games or any form of unauthorized betting poses a serious threat to the fairness and credibility of professional football, warranting severe penalties for those involved.
As the affected players face the consequences of their actions, the league continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship and integrity on and off the field.