Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been reinstated by the NFL, the league announced Monday.
«Ridley, who had been suspended indefinitely since March 2022 for violating NFL wagering policy, is eligible to participate in all team activities, effective immediately,» an official league statement said.
Ridley filed for reinstatement last month on the first date she was eligible to do so.
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley during the Dolphins game on October 24, 2021, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Pro Bowler was suspended after he was found betting over a five-day stint on NFL games in November 2021 when he was out of the team on the non-football illness list.
«Today’s reinstatement by the NFL brings to a close a challenging chapter of my professional career, one that was self-inflicted and began with an isolated error in judgment,» Ridley said in an official statement. «I have always owned up to my mistakes and this is no different. I have tremendous respect for the game and am excited for the opportunity to restart my career in Jacksonville. I look forward to showing exactly that to my new coaches, teammates and the entire organization of the Jaguars». who I am and what I represent as a player and a person».
«The Jaguars organization is aware of the NFL’s decision to reinstate Calvin Ridley,» the team added. «We look forward to building a relationship with Calvin as an individual and as a player. Calvin is a proven playmaker and we are excited to see him compete among and with his new teammates, first during our Offseason Program in April and finally in the 2023 season. , as we collectively pursue a championship for Jacksonville.»
JAGUARS’ CALVIN RIDLEY SEEKS RESTORATION AFTER SUSPENSION FOR GAMBLING ON NFL GAMES: REPORTS
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ended up sending Ridley a letter condemning his actions and reminding him of the strict no-gambling policy for players.
«There is nothing more fundamental to the success of the NFL, and to the reputation of all associated with our league, than upholding the integrity of the game,» Goodell said in the letter.
«This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official and anyone else employed by the league. Their actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional soccer and potentially undermined the reputation of his fellow players throughout the NFL.
Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley catches a pass against the Washington football team on October 3, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«For decades, betting on NFL games has been considered one of the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most significant penalty. In your case, I acknowledge and congratulate you on your prompt appearance for an interview and for admitting his actions.»
Ridley took to social media after learning of his suspension, and while he admitted to gambling, he said he did not have an addiction.
CALVIN RIDLEY’S SUSPENSION FOR GAMES DRAWS IGER TO NFL
The Jaguars, knowing Ridley wouldn’t be able to play for them until 2023, made the trade with Atlanta in November. They sent a 2023 fifth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick to the Falcons.
«This is an opportunity to add a proven playmaker to our already talented wide receiver roster as we continue to build our roster for 2023 and beyond. We hope to finish this season strong and integrate Calvin into our program at the appropriate time.» «. Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said at the time.
Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley walks off the field after the Washington game on October 3, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The Jaguars reached the postseason last season after a second-half push thanks to the solid offense of Trevor Lawrence & Co. Ridley is expected to make an immediate impact for them this season in a wide receiver group that includes Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Marvin Jones Jr.