I'm sure most of you heard or read that NFL wide receiver "Calvin Ridley" was suspended for the entire 2022 season for placing $1500 of parlay bets on NFL games while on leave last season. Why is this serious? Does the punishment fit the crime? Let's first look at past suspensions of more serious offenses.

Ray Rice (Beat Fiancé) 2 games

Greg Hardy (Beat girlfriend) 4 games

Adrian Peterson (Felony Child Abuse) 6 games

Ezekiel Elliott (Hitting Girlfriend) 6 games

Josh Gordon (Smoking Weed, failing multiple drug tests) 6 seasons

Calvin Ridley suspended 1 season for placing bets with Hard Rock Sportsbook App

The suspensions listed may or may not fit the crimes committed. BUT the NFL needs to do a better job of protecting the integrity of this sport! Especially now that they are partnered with FanDuel. The NFL is treading into new waters by partnering up with the FanDuel gambling site now that more States are legalizing gambling. AND Fantasy Sports brought in a whopping $22 billion dollars last year!!! The NFL wants a piece of that pie!

Gambling on one's own sport is a serious offense! Pete Rose was banned for life for gambling on baseball. Pete repeatedly bet on the Reds to win whereas Calvin made some casual bets over 1 weekend. Pete should never hold any job in the MLB—BUT he should be in the HOF! David Ortiz was caught and suspended for using HGH and is in the HOF! MLB has issues to work out.

Did Calvin get the help that he needed when he took his leave from the team? I really hope Calvin Ridley gets the help that he needs and is able to return in 2023. He made a mistake and deserves a 2nd chance. He should chat with Pete Rose and be grateful that he was only suspended for 1 year. Calvin is out $11 million in salary. Ouch! That hurts!