DeMeco Ryans is savvy. Although the Houston Texans coach may be entering his first year in that role, Ryans has kept his head on a swivel throughout his 10-year playing career and six-year coaching career in the NFL.
Ryans told reporters after the first day of mandatory minicamp June 13 that gambling is “prevalent across the league.”
In late April, the NFL suspended Stanley Berryhill, Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore and Shaka Toney indefinitely for violating the league rules on sports betting.
“We’ve seen the penalties that have come down on some of these players,” Ryans said. “I’ve met with our players, had meetings. We discussed the gambling, making sure they understand the gambling policy, what we can and cannot do as players, also as employees of the NFL.”
While Ryans went over the rules, he handed down his own rule of thumb that assuredly would keep any Texans player out of trouble.
“I tell guys it’s best to just stay away from it, right?” he said. “What are you gaining versus gambling on games versus what to you stand to lose with your NFL career? It’s not worth it. So, my advice to our guys is just stay away from it. Nothing to gain.”
