Denver Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games, the league announced Monday.
“We were informed by the NFL today that Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league indefinitely for violating its gambling policy,” the team said in a statement. “Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously.
“The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s Gambling Policy.”
Uwazurike (6-6, 320 pounds) will miss at least the entire 2023 season after betting on games during the 2022 season. The 25-year-old defensive lineman will not be eligible to petition for reinstatement until July 24, 2024.
Uwazurike was picked by the Broncos in the fourth round of last year’s NFL draft out of Iowa State. He dressed for eight games last season, totaling 17 tackles as a rotational defensive lineman.
Last month, coach Sean Payton implied that the league’s handout explaining the gambling policy was not clear. Uwazurike bet on games last year before Payton joined the team.
Following the suspension, Uwazurike will no longer count against Denver’s 90-man offseason roster. The team’s remaining defensive linemen are Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Mike Purcell, Matt Henningsen, Jonathan Harris, Tyler Lancaster, Jordan Jackson, Elijah Garcia, PJ Mustipher and Haggai Ndubuisi.
With Uwazurike no longer counting against the roster, the Broncos now have room to sign kicker Brett Maher. Denver will begin trianing camp on Friday.
