Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) reacts during a kickoff during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
(Indianapolis, Indiana) –The Indianapolis Colts have released Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry after the players received indefinite suspensions for gambling.
The NFL has made it clear that league employees partaking in gambling will not be tolerated in order to maintain the integrity of the game.
“NFL Personnel are strictly prohibited from participating in or facilitating any form of illegal gambling, whether on sports or otherwise”
Rodgers and Berry along with Titans’ tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere and free agent Demetrius Taylor are the NFL’s latest gambling victims. Petit-Frere was only given six games as he did not gamble on the NFL, but did place his bet in a team facility which is also in violation of the policy.
Rodgers placed a $1000 prop bet on Colts running back rushing yards over/under through a friend in Florida, where sports betting is illegal. The 4th year corner was suspended at minimum for the entire 2023 season before his release. While he has since publicly apologized for his actions, those in the Colts organization felt they would like to continue without the two defenders.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy…The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations” said General Manager Chris Ballard.
Neither player has put out a statement since. They are the first to be released as a result of a suspension, but as cases increase it is likely they won’t be the last.
