Shockwaves were sent across the NFL and sports landscape on Monday afternoon when it was revealed that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for at least one season for gambling on NFL games.
Ridley is the first player to be disciplined since the legalization of sports betting and the NFL’s embrace with sports gambling partners.
Ridley, whose wagering occurred while he was on a leave of absence to deal with mental health issues, is the Falcons’ top receiver and was rumored to be a trade piece for the team this offseason.
Now, the Falcons will not only not have Ridley for next season but they cannot get anything for him, either.
It led to a strong reaction from 92.9 The Game’s Carl Dukes, who was on the air as the news broke and lit into Ridley for what he called “a selfish act.”
(Dukes reaction begins at 4:00)
“I think it’s one of the most selfish acts. It cost your team another season,” Dukes said. “Not just last season when we were supporting you. Now you cost us another year with a selfish act that you know was against the rules. You know what you signed up for. So shame on Calvin Ridley for putting himself and this team, more importantly.”
Meanwhile, the rest of the sports world was reacting to the news in real time on Twitter, with many linking the NFL’s relationship with sports betting partners and some wondering if others are doing the same.
Ridley, on the other hand, tweeted through it himself and seems to be taking it in stride.
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