The National Football League has softened its stance on sports betting since the repeal of PASPA by the US Supreme Court in 2018. Since that time, numerous states have opted-in on legal sports betting, taking advantage of the tax revenue collections that come with it.
This has created a scenario where several NFL teams and their host stadiums have partnered up with domestic sportsbooks for promotions, advertising crossovers, and in-person sports betting lounges in and near the games.
Cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers, a sixth-round NFL Draft pick in 2020 by the Indianapolis Colts, has been accused of gambling activity that violates league policy.
“We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and will have no further comment at this time.”
Official Statement By The Indianapolis Colts
Rodgers created a sportsbook account and placed in excess of 100 bets over the course of a few months. These wagers included NFL bets that were placed on Indianapolis Colts games.
Bets typically ranged between $25 and $50, but there was at least one wager placed that was over $1,000. Many of these bets were allegedly made inside the Colts’ locker room.
Legal sports betting in Indiana is available via domestic sportsbooks over the web, on mobile devices, and in person. The Indiana Gaming Commission is the governing body of IN sports betting and brought the matter to the NFL’s attention after they were notified of an active account opened in Rodgers’ name.
The Colts defensive back took to Twitter to announce his guilt and that he intends to atone for his unwise actions.
— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) June 6, 2023
The violation is only enforceable by the National Football League, as Rodgers’ actions are not against the law in Indiana.
The NFL suspended six players in April for gambling-related offenses. Two of them received six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL-related sports, while the other four were given indefinite suspensions for betting on the NFL.
That doesn’t bode well for Rodgers, who was expected to enter the starting defensive lineup for the Colts this fall.
NFL players, coaches, staff members, and owners are not forbidden from betting on the NBA, NHL, College Football, or any other sport not directly related to league activities. They are prohibited from wagering on other sports while on the grounds of an NFL facility and obviously the restrictions include prohibiting any betting on NFL games online or in person.
Rodgers is scheduled to make $2,743,000 for the 2023-24 NFL season in the fourth year of his rookie contract. There has been no indication as to whether Rodgers will be suspended for a number of games or indefinitely.
