The Indianapolis Colts confirmed Monday that the NFL is investigating following a report that a player engaged in “widespread” gambling activity, including betting on Colts games.
The Colts acknowledged the investigation in a statement.
“We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and will have no further comment at this time.” the statement says.
The statement came moments after sports betting publication Sports Handle reported that the NFL is investigating a single Colts player for possible violations of the league’s sports betting policy. A source told the outlet that evidence points to the player betting on hundreds of games, with some of those bets being placed on the Colts. It is not clear if the player is accused of betting that the Colts will win or lose. The player is not identified in the report, but it is reported that he is a current member of the team. According to the report, the player made most of the bets on him in 2022 and some in 2023.
Indiana Gaming Commission Deputy Director Jenny Reske confirmed to Sports Handle that the organization is investigating the allegations.
“I can confirm that we have received information related to this matter and are following developments,” Reske said. “IGC is not the lead agency because it involves violations of league policy. However, we will continue to review information as it emerges to see if it requires any regulatory action.”
According to the report, the player is believed to have placed the bets through an account opened by an acquaintance. Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019.
NFL cracks down on players who bet on sports
The news comes weeks after the NFL announced the suspension of five players for violations of the league’s gambling policy. Four of those players were Detroit Lions: wide receivers Jameson Williams, Stanley Berryhill and Quintez Cephus and safety CJ Moore. Fifth was Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney.
According to the NFL, Cephus, Moore and Toney bet on NFL games during the 2022 season. They have been suspended indefinitely. Williams and Berryhill were found to have bet on non-NFL games from a team facility. They received six-game suspensions.
Since then, the Lions have released Berryhill, Cephus and Moore. Williams was a first-round pick in the 2022 draft and an integral part of the franchise’s future plans. Toney remains with the Commanders.
The Athletic has since reported that a fifth unnamed Lions player is under investigation for alleged violations of the NFL’s wagering policy.
The NFL suspended then-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for a full season in 2022 for violations of the league’s sports betting policy. The case was the first high-profile instance of gambling-related league discipline after the widespread legalization of sports betting in 2018 following a favorable Supreme Court ruling.
The NFL determined that Ridley bet the Falcons would win, but not while he was actively with the team. Ridley took a hiatus in 2021 to address his mental health and placed the bets during that break, according to the league.
The Falcons have since traded Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 2018 first-round pick was reinstated in March and he is eligible to play with the Jaguars this fall.
