Sources: CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr. Being Investigated for Betting on Colts
There has been a recent influx of NFL players being caught and punished for participating in the act of gambling in team facilities. A recent report from Matt Rybaltowski of Sports Handle revealed that an Indianapolis Colts player is under investigation, and if the claims are proven true, a hefty punishment should be expected.
Rybaltowski claims that the incident seems to only be involving one Colts player, and the nature of the claims is drastic.
“While the new allegations around the Colts appear to be 'isolated to one player,' there is evidence the Colts player placed hundreds of wagers, the source told Sports Handle on the condition of anonymity. At least some of the wagers, the source told Sports Handle on Sunday, were placed on the Colts.”
Rybaltowski included a statement Sports Handle received from Indiana Gaming Commission Deputy Director Jenny Reske:
“I can confirm that we have received information pertaining to this matter, and we are following developments. The IGC is not the lead agency because it involves violations of league policy. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to see if it requires any regulatory action.”
Rybaltowski went on to share what he had been told about how the player made the bets, which he shared was through an “account opened by an acquaintance.” While Rybaltowski did not reveal who the Colts player is at this time, he did speak to the notability of said player.
“Although the player is not considered a superstar, an ardent NFL fan has probably heard of him.”
Who was it?
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Since Rybaltowski’s report was released, sources with knowledge of the situation have shared with Horseshoe Huddle that the player in question is cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
Rodgers was drafted by the Colts in 2020 with the 211th pick in the sixth round. Since being drafted, he has outplayed his sixth-round pedigree in the return game as well as on the defensive side of the ball.
Rodgers is coming off his largest role with the Colts, where he started a career-high nine games and was in line to be potentially the No. 1 outside cornerback in 2023. So what happens to Rodgers now if the investigation provides proof that the league’s gambling policy has been violated?
To get a feel for what fate could await Rodgers, let's take a look at a few recent gambling-related incidents in the NFL.
- 2019: Josh Shaw | Arizona Cardinals
- Incident: At the time of Shaw's gambling, there was a Supreme Court ruling that federally banned sports betting. And Shaw placed sports bets at a Casino in Las Vegas directly using his personal ID.
- Punishment: A timeline wasn't stated in the initial suspension notice, but Shaw would later be reinstated by the NFL on March 20th of 2021
- 2022: Calvin Ridley | Atlanta Falcons
- Incident: Ridley was found to be gambling over a five-day stretch when he was away from the Falcons for personal reasons.
- Punishment: At the time, Ridley was suspended indefinitely but had a date when he could apply for reinstatement on February 15 of 2023, which he would be granted, and will be returning to the NFL this fall.
- 2023: Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, & Stanley Berryhill | Washington Commanders: Shaka Toney
- Incident: This large group was announced on April 21, 2023, for breaking the league’s gambling policy.
- Punishment: Cephus, Moore, and Toney were suspended indefinitely, while Williams and Berryhill only received six games of suspensions. The reason for their lesser punishment was that the two hadn't bet on NFL games.
What it Means for Rodgers
Using these recent incidents for comparison, if Rodgers is found guilty of the claims, an indefinite suspension is the bare minimum of my expectations for his punishment.
This could very well end his Colts career and, quite possibly, his NFL career.
