NFL hands down suspensions for gambling

INDIANAPOLIS — Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. lost the biggest bet of his life Thursday.

He was waived by the Indianapolis Colts shortly after the NFL suspended Rodgers and two other players indefinitely for gambling on NFL games last season.

The Colts also cut backup defensive end Rashod Berry after Berry and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor received the same punishment for the same infraction. None of the three can seek reinstatement until after next season.

Tennessee Titans right tackle Nicholas Petitfrere received a sixgame suspension for betting on non-nfl sports at the team's facility, though he can participate in all of the team's offseason and preseason activities including preseason games.

For the Colts, the decision came swiftly and decisively — even for a potential starter like Rodgers.

“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league's gambling policy,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”

Those rules bar players, coaches, team officials and all league personnel from betting on NFL games, placing bets at team facilities or team hotels or having someone else place a bet for them.

NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said last week only players are permitted to bet on non-nfl games following consultation with the NFL Players Association.