Falcons' Calvin Ridley suspended for betting on NFL: Wager details, Ridley's reaction, Falcons' 2022 odds

Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl receiver Calvin Ridley missed the final 11 games of the 2021 campaign for mental health reasons. Many expected a trade to coalesce allowing both sides to start fresh, but that's off the table with the stunning news Monday that Ridley is suspended at least the 2022 season for betting on NFL games (reportedly including Falcons matchups). A few sportsbooks had previously offered props on which team Ridley would play for in 2022, with the New England Patriots as the favorites.

"The activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club's facility on the non-football illness list," the NFL said in a statement on Monday, adding that there was "no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way."

Ridley, a 2018 first-round pick by Atlanta, had a breakout 2020 season in catching 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine scores and being named second-team All-Pro. His emergence was part of the reason the Falcons were OK with dealing Julio Jones to Tennessee ahead of last season. In five 2021 games before stepping away from football, Ridley had 31 catches for 281 yards and two scores. Ridley is one of three Falcons all-time with 200-plus receptions, 3,000-plus receiving yards and 25-plus receiving TDs in his first four seasons along with Jones and Andre Rison.

"We were first made aware of the league's investigation on Feb. 9," the Falcons said in a statement. "We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league's findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office."

The Falcons had multiple trade offers for Ridley but did not engage in talks, per multiple reports, with the likelihood of a suspension coming for the receiver.  

What Ridley bet

According to multiple reports, the bets took place in Florida on the Hard Rock Sportsbook app, which offered mobile betting beginning on Nov. 1. A federal judge then ruled the state's compact with the Seminole tribe was unconstitutional, and Hard Rock suspended betting on the app on Dec. 4. Ridley is from South Florida.

Per CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones, the NFL determined Ridley's bets included multi-leg parlays involving three, five and eight games that included the Falcons to win, though that did not have a material impact on the suspension. The bets were placed on his mobile device, and Hard Rock notified Genius Sports, which oversees betting integrity in the NFL.

Prior to this, the most notable betting-related suspension in the NFL was in 1963 when the league suspended Packers running back Paul Hornung and Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras for a year for wagering on games.

Goodell's statement

Here's what Roger Goodell wrote to Ridley notifying him about the suspension:

"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success - and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league - than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.

"For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."

Ridley's reaction

Over the weekend, Ridley seemed to indicate he was ready to play in 2022 by tweeting, "Football is life." After news of the suspension broke, Ridley again took to Twitter to write "I bet 1500 total I don't have a gambling problem."

Ridley then followed up by writing "I couldn't even watch football at that point," "Just [gonna] be more healthy when I come back," and "I know I was wrong [b]ut I'm getting one year lol."

Ridley will be eligible to apply for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2023. He also has a right to appeal the suspension but will lose out on more than $11 million in salary if he does appeal but loses.

What's next for Atlanta?

Needless to say, this is going to affect Atlanta's offseason plans and probably assures the team either chases a few free-agent receivers or drafts one fairly early. The team has the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 draft and could have its choice of any receiver in the class. Ohio State's Garrett Wilson is ranked as the top wideout on the CBS Sports Big Board as the No. 7 overall prospect.

No NFL win totals will be released until after free agency, but the SportsLine Projection Model had forecast the 2022 Falcons for 6.1 victories after finishing this past season at 7-10. Atlanta is a +500 long shot to win the NFC South at Caesars Sportsbook.

Falcons 2022 opponents:

• Home: Cardinals, 49ers, Browns, Steelers, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Bears and Chargers
• Away: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints, Ravens, Bengals, Rams, Seahawks and Commanders

Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total, and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on the Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short, sweet and to put some green in your pocket. Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss the Early Edge specials and live shows!