Tennessee Titans issue statement in response to Nicholas Petit-Frere gambling suspension

The Titans issued a statement in regards to Nicholas Petit-Frere‘s six-game suspension by the NFL for gambling. The team says it’s standing behind their young offensive tackle.

Petit-Frere, who started 16 games last season as a rookie, was one of four players sanctioned Thursday by the NFL for gambling. The other three received harsher penalities. They are Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor, who spent last season on the Lions’ practice squad. The league suspended those three indefinitely for gambling on NFL games. Typically, those penalties will be a year and the three can petition the league for reinstatement.

Petit-Frere placed bets at team facilities, but did not gamble on NFL games.

“We have been made aware of Nick’s suspension by the league,” the Titans said in a statement to the media, “We believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization. We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”

Petit-Frere says he didn’t realize he violated gambling rules

The Titans kept Petit-Frere on their roster. However, the Colts cut Rodgers and Berry. The Lions released Taylor in May. Coincidentally, in late April, the NFL suspended five players, including four from Detroit, for gambling. They were Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and C.J. Moore from the Lions. In addition, the league also gave an indefinite suspension to Shaka Toney of the Commanders. The Lions cut every player but Williams, who received a six-game penalty. The Commanders kept Toney on the roster.

Petit-Frere issued an apology and a clarification before the league announced his suspension.

He wrote: “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. 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 the Titans fans. I have always strived in every stage of my life to follow the rules. (And) I did not knowingly break the rules. Even after attending a league presentation, I was unaware about the specifics around placing bets from a team facility. 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.”