NFL Gambling: Now-Released Cornerback Bet on Colts Games

The Indianapolis Colts have released starting outside cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, and he has been suspended at least one year by the NFL for gambling on an NFL game that he was a participant in.

Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry were released on Thursday after the NFL handed down suspensions of at least one year on Thursday. Free agent defensive end Demetrius Taylor was also suspended for at least a year. Tennessee Titans tackle Nicholas Petit-Friere was suspended for six games.

“The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance,” said Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. “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.” 

Berry, Rodgers and Taylor were suspending for betting on NFL games. According to an ESPN report, Rodgers placed over 100 bets on NFL games, including at least one on a game involving the Colts.

That wager was a $1,000 prop bet on the over/under for a Colts running back, which Rodgers won. It’s not clear if Rodgers made any wagers that he had a part in the outcome of.

The Steelers will face the Colts this season without Rodgers, who was expected to be their top cornerback. Rookies Julius Brents and Darius Rush could both be thrust into the starting lineup as a result of his released.

Petit-Friere will return for the Titans after his six-game ban before the Steelers host Tennessee on Nov. 2. He was suspended for betting on a non-NFL game while at a Titans team facility.

“I did not knowingly break the rules,” he said in a statement posted to social media. “Even after attending a league presentation, I was unaware about the specifics around placing bets from a team facility.”

The NFL gambling crackdown this offseason has suspended six players for at least one year. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season.