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Jets WR coach Miles Austin has been suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. The former professional pass catcher landed a one-year ban following the discovery.
Details of Austin’s infractions weren’t made public at the time of the suspension, but a recent report has unveiled exactly what the coach was betting on to land the ban.
The wagers were not NFL related, as was stated in the original penalty release. Instead, it appears he was gambling on a handful of NBA games, which violates the league’s sports betting rule.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote over the weekend that Miles Austin placed a variety of $50 bets on random basketball matchups. The position coach actually had no idea he was breaking any NFL policy by doing so.
The punishment seems a bit steep considering the minimal money wagered, but according to the rulebook, coaches are not allowed to gamble on any sport. That differs a bit from what the league allows from players, as they are able to bet on sports outside of the NFL.
The policy has come under scrutiny of late seeing Atlanta wide receiver Calvin Ridley suspended for an entire season for placing NFL bets despite his not being on the active roster at the time of placement.
Many around the league have been critical of the inconsistent policy, which gives much stiffer penalties to offenders in comparison to those with more severe infractions, such as assault or sexual misconduct.
Fans around the NFL were quick to chime in on the suspension, offering their reactions to hearing the news.
One person said, “If Miles Austin had simply sexually assaulted two dozen women instead of legally gambling, he’d be back by Week 8 next season.” Another stated, “The policy is pointless… Betting small amounts on non-football games harms no one.”
Miles Austin was a Pro Bowl receiver with the Cowboys from 2006 to 2013. He finished up his career with the Eagles in 2015. In that time, Austin tallied more than 5,000 receiving yards while racking up 361 catches and 37 scores. He’s now in his second and final season with the Jets’ coaching staff, with his contract set to expire following the 2022 regular season.
He’ll now have to sit out the majority of the 2023 campaign pending an appeal.