Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich addresses NFL gambling policy

We’ve seen the NFL crack down hard on players gambling on games in the league. It’s resulted in multiple, lengthy suspensions for a handful of stars as the league attempts to send a stern message regarding the policies related to the subject.

The NFL suspended Calvin Ridley for the entirety of the 2023 season for violating the league’s gambling policy. Earlier this year, five players — four of which were members of the Detroit Lions — were slapped with suspensions for similar offenses.

Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich recently weighed in on the subject. He believes that continuing to educate players on the policies and guidelines is critical.

“It’s a big deal,” Reich said, per the Charlotte Observer. “Obviously, we fully support and agree with everything the league is doing in this area. It’s something to be taken very serious. So, you approach the education process through multiple efforts, a lot of it — we have a great support staff — and then the league sends in people to do training, more formal things. But then there’s a lot of informal discussion with our development people.

“And it’s an ongoing process, right? This is a new issue, players and coaches — we all need to continue how important this is for the integrity of our game and fully support what the league is doing.”

NFL investigating Colts CB Isaiah Rodgers for gambling

Reich’s comments come as the NFL investigates one of his former players for violating the league’s gambling policies. Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers reportedly placed over 100 bets under the name of one of his associates.

Per ESPN, most of the wagers placed came in the $25-$50 range. However, at least one bet placed reached four figures.

Rodgers released a statement on Twitter amidst the reports.

“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” Rodgers wrote. “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. 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. I made an error in judgement and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

The NFL did not comment on the current situation.