The NFL on Thursday handed out suspensions to four players for gambling violations.
Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry and free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely, at least through the 2023 season, the NFL said, for betting on games last season.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was suspended for six games for betting on other sports at the team’s complex.
The Colts cut Rodgers, a cornerback from the University of Massachusetts, and Berry, an outside linebacker from Ohio State, from their roster after the announcement.
“The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance,” Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “As an organization, we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
Petit-Frere said on Thursday that his betting was not “NFL-related” and illegal under Tennessee law.
“It is only being sanctioned because it occurred at the Titans facility,” he said in a statement, according to The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville. “I want to apologize to my family, coaches, teammates, and the Titans fans. I have always strived in every stage of my life to follow the rules. I did not knowingly break the rules. Even after attending a league presentation, I was unaware about the specifics around placing bets from a team facility.
“I will do everything in my power to help the team during training camp and will be prepared when I return to the roster during the season,” he added.
The Titans also released a statement about the former Ohio State offensive lineman.
“We have been made aware of Nick’s suspension by the league,” it stated. “We believe in Nick and know that he has deep respect for the integrity of the game and our organization. We will continue to emphasize to our players the importance of understanding and adhering to league rules and policies.”
