The new policy toughens penalties for betting on NFL games but reduces penalties for betting on other sports at team facilities.
Two players who were suspended have been reinstated after the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) agreed on Friday (September 29) to adjust the existing gambling policy as it pertains to players.
Due to this, Lions receiver Jameson Williams and Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere have been reinstated effective today, October 2nd.
Prior to this policy change, they had two weeks remaining on their suspensions for betting on non-NFL sports at team facilities.
New penalties by the NFL
Authorities also announced the introduction of stricter penalties for players who participate in betting activities related to NFL games.
A critical facet of this change is the possibility of a lifetime ban for those found guilty of such offenses.
Furthermore, the revised policy also entails a reduction in penalties for players who participate in betting on other sports while within the confines of the workplace or during working hours.
In a joint statement, the NFL and NFLPA said that periodic reviews of the gambling policy, conducted in collaboration with clubs and players, will serve to adapt it to changing circumstances and maintain this commitment.
Suspension or banning of athletes
Under recently implemented regulations, any form of betting on NFL games carries a minimum one-year suspension, with the penalty doubling to two years if a player bets on a contest involving his own team.
However, actual or attempted game manipulation will result in a permanent ban from the NFL, while disclosing insider information or providing tips will warrant an indefinite suspension, lasting at least one year.
Third-party or proxy bets fall into the same punitive category.
The other change concerns betting on sports other than the NFL in the workplace.
First-time offenders now face a two-game suspension without pay, while second-time offenders will incur a six-game suspension, also without pay.
A third violation will result in suspension without pay for at least one year.
The league will consider specific behavioral patterns, betting history, access to confidential information and the potential to influence a game, among other factors, when determining penalties.
While players who report violations, accept responsibility, and cooperate with league investigations may see mitigating factors in their favor during the penalty assessment process.
The NFL also emphasized that it has already imposed bans on several players since implementing its gambling policy, including multiple suspensions before the start of the 2023 season.
However, Jameson Williams and Nicholas Petit-Frere are the only suspended players directly affected by these recent policy revisions.
