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NFL issues indefinite suspension to Indianapolis Colts tandem, free agent

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•06/29/23•

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The NFL is continuing to come down hard on gambling, announcing three players have been suspended indefinitely through at least the 2023 season for betting on games.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts are two of the three players at fault, with the third being free agent Demetrius Taylor.

“Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor are being suspended indefinitely through at least the the 2023 season for betting on NFL games last season,” tweeted Schefter.

Evidently, it remains to be seen when all three will be re-instated, or if they ever will be. Gambling as a professional athlete is a serious enough offense to the NFL, let alone gambling on their own games.

The news accompanies Schefter’s report that Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere will receive a six-game suspension from the league for gambling on other sports.

Petit-Frere released a statement to Schefter in regards to the suspension.

“Firstly I wanted to say that it’s an honor to play in the NFL and it has been a blessing to play this game. The NFL plans to announce another round of sanctions regarding its gambling policies and I will be included in this group of players receiving a six-game suspension,” Petit-Frere said as part of the statement.

“The betting I engaged in was NOT NFL related and was legal under Tennessee law. It is only being sanctioned because it occurred at the Titans facility. I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates and Titans fans. … I did not knowingly break the rules. I will do everything in my power to help the team during training camp and will be prepared when I return to the roster during the season.”

Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He started 16 of 17 games for the Titans last season. The Florida native was a two-time All-Big Ten selection during his time playing for the Buckeyes.

In addition to Petit-Frère, the aforementioned Rodgers released a statement earlier this offseason, when he was being investigated for a potential violation.

“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.”

Alas, it’s obvious the NFL will not tolerate their athletes gambling, and will continue to come down hard on their players for it.