NFL investigating Colts' Isaiah Rodgers for possible betting
The NFL is investigating Indianapolis Colts cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers for possible violations of the league's gambling policy, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder and David Purdum.
Rodgers confirmed the reports in a statement Monday night, apologizing for his actions.
"Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions," Rodgers tweeted. "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."
Though the Colts didn't confirm that Rodgers was the player in question earlier on Monday, the team announced that it was "aware of the NFL's investigation."
The sportsbook account was opened under the name of an associate of Rodgers, and approximately 100 bets were placed on the account over an undisclosed amount of time, including on Colts games, report Holder and Purdum. Most of the bets were reportedly in the $25-$50 range, but there was at least one low four-figure bet.
Rodgers is entering his fourth season with the Colts, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2020. He has one season left in his rookie contract, which is worth $3.4 million for four years.
The UMass product started nine games for Indianapolis last year, playing more than 40% of the team's defensive snaps for the second straight season. The 25-year-old - who returned 18 kickoffs in 2022 - also finished the campaign with 34 tackles and three pass breakups. He set a career high with three interceptions in 2021.
The NFL's gambling policy prohibits personnel from gambling in any manner while in a club or league facility.
In April, the NFL punished five players for violating its gambling policy, including Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was suspended six games for gambling on college sports from the Lions' facility. Wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore were also suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season before Detroit released them.
The suspensions came over a year after the league banned receiver Calvin Ridley indefinitely for betting on NFL games in March 2022. Ridley, then a member of the Atlanta Falcons, was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars while suspended and was reinstated this offseason.