As gambling becomes a bigger issue in the NFL, league officials are looking for ways to ensure players understand the rules.
Several players have been suspended in recent months, and the NFL may be investigating others. Calvin Ridley is one of the notable gamblers who has been punished for gambling. He warned other players about the dangers of challenging the league’s betting policies.
Earlier this week, the league tried to strengthen its stance on players who participate in sports betting by introducing six “key rules” on betting. But Eric DeCosta, the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, decided to take things a step further by making a direct appeal to the players on the Baltimore roster.
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Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2023 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
According to the Baltimore Sun, DeCosta opened the Ravens’ minicamp sessions by “outlining the details of the NFL’s ban on gambling and emphasizing the seriousness of the potential penalties.”
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Partnerships with gaming companies have only grown throughout the NFL, and the Ravens are entering the second year of a deal with BetMGM.
Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh said he hoped DeCosta’s personal appeal would send a clear message to players.
Five players have been suspended this offseason for gambling, with a sixth on the way. (Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“You worry that it’s not always too clear,” Harbaugh said. “The clearest would be [to] just stay away from it, but the guys are going to be on vacation, and they can play blackjack or whatever, there’s nothing wrong with that, if they do.”
“But it’s very clear in terms of sports betting, in terms of where you can be during the season, that sort of thing, and in terms of not betting on football, period, end of story. That’s pretty clear.”
The NFL logo is seen on the field before a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
In addition to Ridley’s season-long suspension, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will miss the first six games of next season after betting on non-NFL events.
Ravens players Marlon Humphrey and Ronnie Stanley expressed their appreciation for DeCosta’s efforts.
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“I don’t think I care,” Stanley said. “There may be a lack of clarity, but I don’t think so. Because of all the different rules between games of chance, all the different sites, fantasy, I think guys, especially in the new generation, probably get a little more confused. “. about what they can and cannot do. But I know the league and [NFLPA]They try to have these meetings to make sure we have a full understanding of the things we can and can’t bet on.”
