In the wake of an offseason filled with gambling-related punishments across the NFL, changes have come about regarding the policy dictating betting on football and other sports. The league and NFLPA agreed to a revised policy, as first reported by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Under the new rules, players found to have bet on NFL games not involving their own team will be subject to indefinite suspensions of at least one year. That has been the case on a number of previous occasions, including Calvin Ridley last year and a pair of now ex-Colts – Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry – in 2023. Notably, however, players who bet on games involving their club will be subject to a ban of at least two years.
Keeping in line with the stiffer punishments for football-related betting, the new policy also includes lifetime bans for players found culpable of “actual or attempted match fixing.” One-year suspensions are also in place for players who provide “inside information” for NFL-related bets. The threat of such moves being deemed necessary has become increasingly present in recent years given the league’s about-face on betting, having developed a highly lucrative relationship with gambling partners. 
On the other hand, the punishments for gambling on non-NFL events has been lessened. Betting on such sports remains permitted outside of NFL facilities, but players who violate that section of the policy will no longer be subject to six-game bans. Instead, first-time offenders will face two-game suspensions, with the penalty rising to six games for second offenses and year-long bans for third violations. Given these changes, a pair of teams will have notable players return earlier than expected.
Lions wideout Jameson Williams and Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere – both handed six-game bans for placing bets at NFL facilities – will be allowed to return to action in Week 5, Jones notes. Given their status as first offenders, the new, lighter penalties for non-NFL betting will see them in place ahead of their scheduled return date under the previous policy. Both players are expected to take on starting roles when they return to action, though a ramp-up period in practice should be expected before that takes place. Free agent receiver Stanley Berryhill will also be reinstated next week.
The league’s gambling policy is not subject to CBA negotiations, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes new NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell spoke to commissioner Roger Goodell about “inconsistencies” in the previous policy. That has resulted in Friday’s news of signficant revisions for players, although no changes are believed to have been made for other team personnel. As a result, the indefinite ban issued to Jets WRs coach Miles Austin in December is not in line to be adjusted, nor are the penalties for NFL and non-NFL gambling slated to be softened for similar violations in the future.
“In recent weeks, we have consulted with many of you and with the NFL Players Association to ensure that out policies are clear, properly communicated, and focused on protecting the integrity of the game,” a memo from Goodell reads in part. “We are working with the [NFLPA] to develop a program to educate players regarding the changes to the policy.”
As was previously the case, gambling violations will be subject to review from Goodell on a case-by-case basis. With these revisions in place moving forward, though, further clarity on all sides will presumably be attained as the league aims to a avoid a repeat of the summer’s slew of punishments being learned of. With further incentives to avoid NFL-related gambling in particular, it will be interesting to see how effective the new policy is in the future.
Just remove the garbage facility ones. No one believes players betting on non-football games damages the brand.
Being ‘in bed’ with gambling is not a decent wholesome position for the league. Nor is backtracking on punishments for transgressions of rules, gambling or other.
Each year the nfl and nba get softer on civil law disobedience and continue to condone, by inaction, erratic behavior including violent inactions by players or team personnel.
There’s a new level of criminal or nefarious forgiveness between politicos and ‘common people’…..”the athlete and their owners”
“violent inactions” – you’re trying so hard to whip up a “big word salad,” but you failed.
Hush, the adults are talking
Oops, thanks for the editing. How’d that happen? Though my points my hold validity
Wanna Bet??
NFL needs to extend restitution to the Lions and Jamo for forcing him to miss an extra 2 games. I believe an extra 1st round pick for the Lions and giving Jamo back the salary he wasn’t paid for those 2 games is in order
I bet since the Lions are winning and pulling good ratings they cut down to four so JaMo can play and get more ratings and money for Roger and the NFL
I don’t gamble. Never have. But if I were a pro athlete, I’m betting they are friends with other pro athletes in other sports than will tell them what teams are poised to win/lose, who is hurt etc. Most MLB, NBA, NHL & NFL teams are in the same city right?
Do the players know who is “poised” to win? As for injuries, isn’t there an injury report and don’t teams have to list their inactives 90 minutes prior to kickoff? That’s plenty of time to make a bet. Outside of certain positions being able to “throw” a game, I doubt players have any influence on the games
Suppose it’s some possible but actually the most ‘influence’, on game outcome, is controlled by the officials. The more inept the greater the impact and this years crop is bottom tier – wouldn’t hire them for girls flag football
The policy is a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham!
You would have to be totally naive to think that gambling on NFL games by players, coaches and even owners is a new phenomenon. The reality is that there probably hasn’t been a season when this didn’t occur. But now after 100 years of this gambling taking place, Goodell and the other stooges running the show have decided that the integrity of the game is seriously threatened by the mere suggestion that a bet has occurred. Gimme a break…lol.
Congress must also be getting kickbacks from the gambling industry, as there is no reason gambling commercials should be treated any different from those of other addictive and potentially harmful habits, such as marijuana or alcohol.
Whenever you see a pharmaceutical product advertised the company will protect itself legally by listing the side effects. The gambling industry does essentially the same thing by providing a toll free support number for those who can’t control their gambling impulses.
Exactly – gambling destroys marriages, careers, lives even faster than many drugs and/or alcohol.
Astonishing that the financialisation of Western economies now includes gambling as a mainstay (tax revenue, major official lobbyist in most countries).
So can shopping addictions
I recall Jim McMahon and the bears always betting on games BQCK in the day def not anything new
Sport betting has always existed and always will. I think Goodell is just trying to polish the NFL image so he can make it look more attractive to the European market.
Rogers group found another open and ‘legal’ money funnel, that’s what legislation by politicos allowed. Instead of behind closed door betting now it’s out in public.
It’s what the nfl is all about $$$$$$$
After months of negotiations; The Taliban Freed the Hostages!