The NFL announced Monday that Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been reinstated nearly a year since being suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. He can now participate in all team activities.
Ridley was suspended in March 2022 while with the Falcons for gambling on NFL games. He said on Twitter he wagered $1,500 and did not have a gambling problem shortly after the news broke. However, documents obtained and reviewed by Sports Handle revealed he bet more than $3,900 on six separate wagers that included Falcons games.
Even before the gambling issue, Ridley’s off-the-field issues appeared to be weighing on him. He stepped away from the team in October 2021 to focus on his mental well-being—though the specific reason was never revealed. The NFL said the gambling took place during a five-day period in late November while Ridley was not with the Falcons.
He was traded to Jacksonville in November 2022 for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a ’24 conditional fourth-round pick. He’ll now get his chance to return to the field and a clean slate with the Jaguars.
