Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers released a statement regarding reports that he was the subject of an NFL investigation for gambling.
On Monday, SportsHandle.com reported that a player on the Indianapolis Colts was the subject of an investigation from the league for "pervasive betting" in 2022 and 2023. The outlet reported that the player placed "hundreds of bets," including some on Colts games.
ESPN's Stephen Holder David Purdum reported that the Colts player being investigated was cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Shortly after ESPN released their report, Rodgers released the following statement across his social media profiles, saying that he takes full responsibility for his actions and that he knows he's "made mistakes" and that he is "willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation.
"Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I've let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It's an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this."
Isaiah Rodgers releases statement after report indicates he's subject of NFL investigation for gambling
ESPN's report revealed that there was a sportsbook account under the name of an associate of Rodgers and that most bets were placed in the $25-50 range. But, there was at least one that was "a low four-figure bet," per ESPN.
This offseason, the NFL has been cracking down on violations of their gambling policy. So far, five players have been suspended — Jameson Williams, Stanley Berryhill, C.J. Moore, Quintez Cephus of the Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders. Williams and Berryhill received six-game suspensions, while Moore, Cephus, and Toney received indefinite suspensions. Berryhill, Moore, and Cephus were waived by the Lions.
In 15 games (nine starts) this past season, Rodgers recorded 34 combined tackles (24 solo, 10 assisted), four fumble recoveries, and three defended passes. In coverage, per Pro Football Reference, Rodgers allowed 17 completions for 192 yards and three touchdowns on 29 targets. As a returner, Rodgers returned 18 kickoffs for 452 yards, and two punts for 13 yards.
Through three seasons, Rodgers recorded 90 combined tackles (68 solo, 22 assisted), 10 passes defended, and three interceptions. As a returner, Rodgers took 61 kickoffs for 1,645 yards and one touchdown, and three punts for 25 yards.
