The NFL administration appears to be rigorous about the league’s gambling policy and annually evaluates all league staff members, including players. The league also upholds heavy punishments for the incident in which the former Colts player Isaiah Rodgers was caught after thoroughly examining the policy.
As Rodgers’ career was in limbo after being dismissed from the Indianapolis Colts’ roster for violating NFL rules, the Philadelphia Eagles gave him one last opportunity to establish his legacy.
What is the NFL’s gambling policy for players? Explained
In order to prevent its staff and players from partaking in any gambling activity, the NFL authority, as reported by CBS Sports, has ruled out three key regulations for its players and coaches about gambling.
#1. No betting on the NFL: The first and foremost rule of gambling regulation stipulates that neither players nor league employees may wager on any NFL-related events.
“All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third-party, on any NFL game, practice or other event,” the policy read.
#2. Betting on other sports: The NFL’s second rule has granted its players a greater degree of independence. NFL athletes are permitted to wager on other sports, under the regulations. Yet, the policy regarding gambling continues to apply to all other league employees.
The second rule states that “All NFL Personnel other than players are further prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating bets on any other professional (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, USTA, MLS), college (e.g., NCAA basketball), international (e.g., World Baseball Classic, World Cup), or amateur (e.g., Olympic, AAU) sports competition, tournament or event.”
#3. No gambling in the workplace: Despite the fact that the athletes are permitted to wager on other sports, the third and final rule prohibits gambling in team facilities.
“NFL Personnel shall not engage in any form of Gambling in any club or League facility or venue (e.g., practice facility, stadium, team hotel, Draft or other League or club event); on any League or club charter or other transport; while traveling on club or League business; or while making an endorsement or promotional appearance.”
The NFL has penalized 10 players, including Isaiah Rodgers, for placing wagers on NFL games this season.
Eagles sign ex-Colt CB Isaiah Rodgers’ suspended for NFL gambling
The former Colts player, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts in late June, was signed by the Eagles squad on Monday. Following the NFL’s suspension for violating its gambling policy, the Colts decided to suspend him.
The #Eagles have officially signed former #Colts CB/Returner Isaiah Rodgers and placed him on the suspended list immediately.
Rodgers has been suspended for the entire 2023 season by the league for gambling.
Also waived DT Noah Elliss with an injury settlement. pic.twitter.com/Vbbm1FOpaP
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 28, 2023
The 25-year-old placed betting on NFL games in 2022, according to information obtained by the NFL authority. The players’ wagers included a $1,000 prop bet on the Over/Under rushing yards by a Colts running back, which is a clear violation of the league’s gambling code, according to the ESPN report. Soon after the incident, Isaiah Rodgers acknowledged the mistake and accepted full responsibility for tarnishing his team’s reputation.
“The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates I’ve let people down that I care about.”
Isaiah Rodgers’ punishment prevented him from being included on the Eagles’ 53-man roster this season, yet at least the signing has given him some solace because for a while it appeared that his football career was over after the suspension.
