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Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike got indefinitely suspended by the NFL on Monday, July 24, for breaching its gambling policy.
According to AP News, the NFL has suspended players indefinitely during the offseason for gambling or betting on other sports while in the NFL locker rooms. Uwazurike was the tenth player to get suspended.
“Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and take 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.”
Uwazurike is eligible to petition for reinstatement on July 24, 2024.
In addition to Uwazurike, the NFL indefinitely suspended Indianapolis Colts backup defensive end Rashod Berry, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor for the same infraction.
“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 explained. “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.”
The NFL enacted the gambling policy to maintain the integrity of the organization’s games, clubs, players, coaches, etc.
Those associated with the NFL are prohibited from betting on football and other sports. An NFL personnel is barred from game fixing, which refers to fixing or influencing a game’s outcome, statistic or score.
Additionally, gambling in “any Club or League setting including, without limitation, locker rooms, practice or office facilities, team buses, trains, flights or hotels, or while traveling on Club or business” is prohibited.
Playing cards and casino-type games are allowed if nothing valuable is being wagered.