Calvin Ridley, who was considered as a potential Eagles trade target has been suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season for betting on games.

Ridley was caught this week for sports gambling back in November. This occurred when he mysteriously disappeared from the team and announced that he was done playing for the rest of the season after appearing in just five games for the Atlanta Falcons.

Eagles were linked as a trade destination for Calvin Ridley

It appears the team and Ridley knew about the ongoing investigation as teams reportedly have tried to engage in trade talks surrounding the number one receiver. In 2020, Ridley had a great year catching 90 passes for over 1,300 yards. The Eagles were linked as one of the potential landing spots for Ridley, trying to pair quarterback Jalen Hurts with another Alabama wide receiver.

It appears Ridley has no regrets betting as he tweeted this shortly following the news.

As an avid sports bettor myself, I also don’t believe I have a gambling problem, but my friends and family might say otherwise.

Have to agree with Ridley here. I don’t think anyone should just assume that he has a gambling problem for betting on sporting events. Unfortunately, the NFL had no choice but to give him a strict penalty for doing so. Sure, we can talk about the “integrity” of the game and it might sound corny, but it’s true.

Also seeing a lot of chatter online about how the NFL has partnerships with sports books and sports wagering companies and that Ridley shouldn’t be penalized for doing something that the league is marketing and advertising constantly throughout the season.

I don’t think that argument holds any weight. Ridley was essentially insider trading by playing in the league while also wagering on the league. You can’t have that. It doesn’t matter what the NFL is doing in terms of partnerships, marketing, or advertising. Simply can’t do that.

Calvin Ridley should come work at The Liberty Line. We have a ton of new gambling partnerships coming over the next few months and would love to bring Ridley to TLL. I’m still mad that Ridley didn’t share his picks in the first place, but I get it had to be done offline.

Hell, he could have started a paid Discord channel and became an official sports capper.

Is he allowed to do that while suspended?

Regardless, it’s unfortunate that Ridley will be suspended for a full year. The Eagles really could have used his skill set for their offense.

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine | USA TODAY Sports