Matt Rybaltowski, SportsHandle
Amid the NFL’s ongoing investigation of a wave of potential violations of its sports betting policy, Sports Handle has learned that a player for the Indianapolis Colts is under investigation for what a source called “pervasive” wagering activities.
While the new allegations around the Colts appear to be “isolated to one player,” there is evidence the Colts player placed hundreds of wagers, the source told Sports Handle on the condition of anonymity. At least some of the wagers, the source told Sports Handle on Sunday, were placed on the Colts. On Monday evening, ESPN reported that the player in question is Colts defensive back and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers Sr., a 2020 sixth-round draft pick by the Colts.
Hours later, Rodgers issued a statement on his Instagram account, appearing to confirm the report. Although he did not admit to placing any wagers on the Colts or any NFL games, he wrote, “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation.”
This development comes not long after the NFL suspended five players in April for sports gambling violations. Of the five, four violated league policy by placing wagers last season as members of the Detroit Lions. Over Memorial Day weekend, The Athletic reported that the league is investigating another player on the Lions’ 2022 roster for a possible gambling violation.
The Colts player appears to have made the wagers through an account opened by an acquaintance, the source noted. Sports Handle has not been able to independently verify if the player placed any wagers on his team during the 2022 NFL season.
Most of the wagering occurred during 2022, with some of it extending into 2023. The player is still on the Colts’ roster, the source revealed.
Indiana Gaming Commission Deputy Director Jenny Reske told Sports Handle Monday that the IGC is looking into the potential violations by the Colts player.
“I can confirm that we have received information pertaining to this matter and we are following developments,” Reske said. “The IGC is not the lead agency because it involves violations of league policy. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to see if it requires any regulatory action.”
The NFL and NFL Players Association declined to comment when reached by Sports Handle Monday. The Colts did not respond to inquiries from Sports Handle, but via ESPN, said, “We are aware of the NFL’s investigation and will have no further comment at this time.”
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