The NFL has launched an investigation into whether an Indianapolis Colts player has made possible violations of the league’s gambling policy.
SportsHandle.com first reported Monday that the investigation surrounding the Indianapolis-based NFL franchise is “isolated to one player.”
A source told the sports media outlet that the unidentified player was involved in “pervasive” wagering activities, saying there is evidence that the player placed hundreds of wagers, including some wagers being placed on his own team.
In a statement, Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) Deputy Director Jenny Reske told The Hill that her agency is looking into the matter.
“We have received information pertaining to this matter and we are following developments,” Reske said in her statement. “The IGC is not the lead agency on this matter, as it involves alleged violations of a league policy at this point. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to determine what, if any, regulatory actions are necessary.”
Multiple outlets reported that Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers was in the center of the league’s investigation. In a statement, Rodgers, who is entering his fourth season in the league, expressed his disappointment in the situation, saying that he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
“I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation,” Rodgers wrote in his statement. “The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches, and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about.”
“I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly,” he added. “I am very sorry for all of this.”
The news comes as the league suspended five players, four from the Detriot Lions and one from the Washington Commanders, for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely by the league for betting on NFL games.
Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams, a former 2022 first-round pick by Detriot, and Stanley Berryhill received six-game suspensions from the league for betting on non-NFL games from a team facility.
Cephus, Moore, and Berryhill were later released by the Lions, according to ESPN.
Last year, the NFL suspended then-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for a full season for violating the league’s gambling policy. Ridley, a former standout at the University of Alabama, was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
Ridley, 28, was then the fifth league player to sit out a full season due to gambling, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Paul Hornung and Alex Karras and former Colts quarterback Art Schlichter.
A Colts spokesperson told ESPN that they are aware of the league’s investigation, adding that they “have no further comment at this time.”
A Colts spokesperson told The Hill that the team is aware of the league’s investigation, saying that they “have no further comment at this time.”
The NFL declined to comment on the matter at The Hill’s inquiry.
The Hill has reached out to the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Gaming Commission for comment and more information on the matter.
Updated at 11:05 pm ET.