Was the punishment for Falcons WR Calvin Ridley fair? | It does seem a little harsh
Calvin Ridley was crushed by the NFL suspending him for an entire year for gambling 1,500 dollars while he was not playing. Ridley was taking a leave of absence for mental health when he was busted for gambling on the NFL.
Ridley posted a tweet on October 31st, 2021 to take time away from the game.
Not even a few months later the NFL is punishing him for an entire year. I thought the NFL cared about players health and well-being. Hear me out, before you say something.
Ridley said the totals of his bets were only $1,500 and while he reportedly bet on Falcons games, he was said to have never bet against his team. The Falcons were horrible last year. He was betting with his team while he was away. The NFL still crushed him, he did not have any insider information, he was likely trying to get his mind off of the game, but it is hard when you eat, sleep and breathe the game.
I am not making excuses, but the punishment is pretty heavy.
Troy Aikman had a great quote when talking about the Ridley situation.
“On the one hand, you have the league encouraging everybody to gamble,” Aikman said, “and yet, here Calvin Ridley is suspended for an entire season.”
Aikman was not the only one calling out the league. Darius Slay the Eagles defensive back went in on Twitter.
He has a very valid point. The NFL’s punishment scale is not right. I hope Calvin Ridley appeals his case, because it is not right. Several high-profile players have had domestic abuse cases filed against them, but the league’s sanctions on them were considerably light.
I want to know your thoughts. Do you think it was harsh?
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