In the latest crackdown on NFL gambling violations, the Colts and Titans saw their players get hit with hefty suspensions.
On Thursday, the NFL announced that they were handing down more gambling violations. Indianapolis Colts' Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry are suspended indefinitely for betting on football games in the 2022 season.
Former Detroit Lions defensive lineman and current free agent Demetrius Taylor also received the same punishment for betting on the NFL.
Finally, Tennessee Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was given a six-game suspension for betting on other sports at the team facility, which is a violation of the league's gambling policy.
The two Colts players have since been released from the roster following the announcement.
NFL gambling violations: Colts and Titans players suspended
This is obviously a far from ideal situation for the rebuilding Colts franchise as Indy released a statement declaring that Rodgers and Berry were waived due to their actions. The Titans, on the other hand, appear to be holding onto their young offensive tackle for 2023.
Isaiah Rodgers contributed last year as a gadget player on special teams, and defensive lineman Rashod Berry was ready to battle for a roster spot this offseason. Neither player possesses much experience in Indy, which is likely part of the reason the Colts decided to waive them rather than essentially let them take valuable roster spots.
Titans right tackle Petit-Frere was a regular starter last season, and Tennessee seem willing to be patient with him as he serves his six-game suspension. The 2022 third-rounder played in 97 percent of offensive snaps in 2022 and was primed to enjoy a more successful second year in the league.
Tennessee face tougher competition in the AFC South with the fast-rising Jacksonville Jaguars, and the franchise will want Petit-Frere back on the field as soon as possible.
These punishments are the latest in line in the NFL's agenda to crack down on gambling violations this offseason. Back in April, five NFL players including Lions star Jameson Williams received their respective punishments for violating the gambling policy, a policy that has been marked by widespread controversy this year for being somewhat obscure and ill-defined. Calvin Ridley was the first domino to fall; the rest are now toppling.
In the wake of the suspensions, the most teams can do is continue educating their players on what is and isn't allowed in the NFL's gambling rulebook.
