The Indianapolis Colts revealed this afternoon that a player on the team is the subject of a new investigation into potential gambling policy violations. The Colts pled that they were aware of the league’s investigation but refrained from further comment, as ESPN reporter Stephen Holder tweeted on Monday afternoon. SportsHandle reported the news first.
NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts have acknowledged an ongoing NFL investigation of an unnamed player for violations of the league's gambling policy.
"We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and will have no further comment at this time," a team official said.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 5, 2023
Gambling policy violations have hit the league numerous times this off-season. After the NFL reinstated Calvin Ridley after his one-year suspension, the league penalized a few Detroit Lions players, including former first-rounder Jameson Williams.
While the described violation doesn’t include a player’s name yet, it was described as “pervasive.”
BREAKING: Sports Handle has learned that a player for the Indianapolis Colts is under investigation for what a source called “pervasive” sports wagering activities.
Scoop from @MattRybaltowski https://t.co/dHhEIpehXO
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) June 5, 2023
The NFL world had plenty to say as news trickled out Monday afternoon.
One Colts voice noted that the Indiana Gaming Commissioner, Jenny Reske, confirmed the matter.
Indiana Gaming Commissioner Jenny Reske confirmed she has received information on the matter and is investigating. The sole player is on the current roster and “not considered a superstar”. He allegedly had an acquaintance open up an account and bet on his behalf. https://t.co/eFcCXiwjPU
— ColtsFanCole (@ColtsFanCole) June 5, 2023
Cody Manning pondered whether this was why the Colts made a move for receiver Breshad Perriman.
Well this isn't great news for the #Colts. Wonder if it is a WR since the team signed Breshad Perriman today. https://t.co/WkVFuWSKqP
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) June 5, 2023
“Matt Ryan was definitely betting against himself,” one user jokingly guessed.
Matt Ryan was definitely betting against himself https://t.co/FVRjtpPNIm
— Brett (@BLeez17) June 5, 2023
“This isn’t shocking at all,” said Tom Barton. “It’s just regulated more. This has been happening for decades, but we have to be careful this doesn’t get into a very slippery slope.”
This isn't shocking at all. It's just regulated more. This has been happening for decades, but we have to be careful this doesn't get into a very slippery slope https://t.co/inm0dcWgwE
— Tom Barton (@TomBartonSports) June 5, 2023
There’s no telling who the player is yet, but that’s likely the next domino to fall. When it does, the NFL will likely hit another player with a significant penalty for gambling violations.
[Stephen Holder, SportsHandle]
