In light of recent gambling suspensions, it’d behoove every NFL team to make sure players understand the rules.
The Baltimore Ravens did just that. According to The Baltimore Sun’s Childs Walker (h/t Sports Business Journal), general manager Eric DeCosta commenced mandatory minicamp by “laying out the details of the NFL’s prohibition against gambling and emphasizing the severity of potential penalties,”
Head coach Jim Harbaugh encouraged players to ask for clarification before risking an infraction.
“The clearest thing would be [to] just stay away from it, but guys are going to be on vacation, and they may play Blackjack or whatever,” Harbaugh said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, if they do that. But it is very clear in terms of sports gambling, in terms of where you can be during the season, those kinds of things, and in terms of not betting on football — period, end of story. That’s pretty darn clear.”
Calvin Ridley became the first notable NFL player suspended for a gambling violation, but multiple other cases have materialized during the offseason. The NFL suspended four Detroit Lions players and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney in April, and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Isaiah Rodgers Jr. could face significant punishment pending a league investigation.
During a conference call earlier this week, the NFL detailed six key rules to its gambling policy.
Players are prohibited from betting on any NFL activity or having someone else place wagers for them. They can’t bet on anything while at the team facility or traveling with the team and aren’t allowed to enter a sportsbook during the NFL season. They also can’t share inside information or play fantasy football.
Per ESPN’s Stephen Holder, league officials will visit team facilities to emphasize these guidelines.