Calvin Ridley, the talented wide receiver formerly with the Atlanta Falcons and now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has finally been reinstated by the NFL after serving a year-long suspension. This suspension was a result of his violation of the league’s policy on gambling. The NFL granted Ridley full reinstatement after he applied for it in February, the moment he became eligible.
In a candid and introspective piece for The Players’ Tribune, Ridley opened up about his suspension, acknowledging his mistake and shedding light on the challenges he faced leading up to the suspension.
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Ridley began by addressing his error head-on, stating, “I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. In 2021, I made the worst mistake of my life by gambling on football.” He candidly admitted that he paid a steep price for his actions and acknowledged the criticism and backlash he faced. However, he also emphasized that there was more to the story, indicating that he was going through a difficult period in his life when he made those ill-fated bets.
The suspension that rocked Ridley’s career occurred while he was still a member of the Atlanta Falcons. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had announced the suspension, citing Ridley’s involvement in betting on league games. Notably, this gambling occurred during a period when Ridley had stepped away from the team to address his mental health issues, shedding light on the complexities of the situation.
During his suspension, Ridley found himself traded from Atlanta to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for two future draft picks. With his reinstatement, he is now eligible to participate in all of the Jaguars’ activities. This development is particularly timely as it comes a little over a month before the Jaguars kick off their voluntary offseason program.
The Jacksonville franchise expressed their excitement about welcoming Ridley into their fold and having him on board for the upcoming season. They anticipate his contributions in their quest for a Super Bowl victory.
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In their official statement, the Jaguars said, “We look forward to building a relationship with Calvin as both an individual and as a player. Calvin is a proven playmaker, and we are excited to see him compete among and with his new teammates, first during our offseason program in April and ultimately into the 2023 season, as we collectively pursue a championship for Jacksonville.”
Ridley’s journey, marked by a suspension and a change of scenery, now presents an opportunity for redemption and a fresh start with a new team as he seeks to make his mark on the NFL once again.
