Patriots players react to recent NFL gambling investigations
FOXBORO, Mass. – On Monday, it was reported that the NFL was investigating a player in the Colts organization for possible sports betting, and it was later released that the player in question is cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. With that, questions arose regarding whether players are well-versed in the rules surrounding gambling and a few Patriots players […]
FOXBORO, Mass. – On Monday, it was reported that the NFL was investigating a player in the Colts organization for possible sports betting, and it was later released that the player in question is cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
With that, questions arose regarding whether players are well-versed in the rules surrounding gambling and a few Patriots players addressed the situation following the second open OTAs session on Tuesday.
“Bill Belichick actually talks about that in very large detail. He always tells us what we need to do, what we need to stay away from. We had a whole meeting about just that, so we do a good job of learning from Bill Belichick,” Deatrich Wise Jr. said.
Along with Wise Jr., Kyle Duggar and Rhamondre Stevenson were asked about the NFL's gambling policy.
"Yeah, I know the rules. We did like a meeting on it. Went over it. So, yeah. I’m good on it," Duggar said. "Not really (concerned). I’m all right."
As for Stevenson, the running back admitted to his lack of knowledge regarding sports betting.
"I'm not a gambling person so I stay away from the gambling," Stevenson said.
Rodgers suspension follows another report in April where five players were suspended due to gambling policy violations, including four players from the Detroit Lions. Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, along with Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games, while Lions receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were given a six-game suspension for betting on non-NFL games from an NFL facility.
This came after last year, when former Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley received a season-long suspension for betting on NFL games.
With the increased legalization of sports betting in the United States, these infractions are continuing to rise.
However, Wise Jr. made it clear that Bill Belichick has addressed this with his team, so there should be no confusion regarding the rule.
Featured Image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
