Bronco banned for betting
Becomes 10th player suspended this offseason
The NFL indefinitely suspended Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike on Monday for betting on league games during the 2022 season.
Uwazurike, a fourth-round draft pick from Iowa State in 2022 who played in eight games as a rookie, becomes the 10th player this offseason to be suspended for gambling on games or betting on other sports while in NFL locker rooms. He will be eligible to petition for reinstatement no earlier than July 24, 2024.
“Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously,” the Broncos said in a statement. “The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s gambling policy.”
NFL players and personnel are not allowed to gamble while in NFL facilities, disclose any nonpublic NFL information, enter a sportsbook during the NFL season, or maintain any social, business or personal relationships with sports gamblers.
They are permitted to place non-sports wagers at legally operated casinos and horse or dog racing tracks on their personal time, including during the season.
The rules have been in place for years, but the league has cracked down on violators as sports gambling becomes legal in more states.
SPEEDING TO HELP DOG
Vikings first-round draft pick Jordan Addison told the state trooper who clocked him going 140 mph in a 55 mph zone last week that he was speeding because of an emergency involving his dog.
The Minnesota State Patrol said Addison was pulled over without resistance in a Lamborghini Urus at 3:07 a.m. Thursday by a trooper who was also traveling eastbound on Interstate 94 in St. Paul about a mile outside of downtown.
According to the citation, Addison said he was speeding because his dog was having an emergency at his residence. The nature of the emergency was not disclosed.
Addison said in a statement he made a mistake and used poor judgment. “I recognize and own that,” he said. “I am going to learn from this and not repeat the behavior. I am truly sorry.”
Addison was selected out of Southern California with the 23rd overall pick in the draft, following the cost-cutting move to release veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen.
N’WESTERN TROUBLES GROW
The hazing scandal at Northwestern University has widened to include a volleyball player who on Monday became the first female athlete to sue the university over allegations she was retaliated against for reporting mistreatment and a new lawsuit by former Northwestern quarterback Lloyd Yates.
“This shows that it isn’t just men,” said Parker Stinar, one of her attorneys. “It isn’t just football players.”
The private school in Evanston, Illinois, is facing multiple lawsuits, including the one on behalf of Yates, which alleges hazing by teammates that includes sexual abuse. The 52-page complaint also says coaches made racially charged comments to players of color.
BRITISH SOCCER GREAT FRANCIS DIES
Trevor Francis, a former England forward who became Britain’s first 1 million pound soccer player when he moved to Nottingham Forest from Birmingham in 1979, has died. He was 69.
Francis died in Spain after a heart attack, his family said Monday. He spent half the year in Spain and the rest in England.
“Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn the passing of two-time European Cup winner, Trevor Francis,” Forest wrote on Twitter. “A true Forest legend who will never be forgotten.”
Shortly after his record move to Forest, Francis headed in the winner in the 1-0 victory over Malmo in the 1979 European Cup final.