Tough Enough?

Another NFL player is entangled in a controversy involving the NFL’s gambling policy.

Colts cornerback/kick returner Isaiah Rodgers is the subject of an NFL investigation, per ESPN.

Indianapolis Colts CB Isaiah Rodgers could face a suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy

Rodgers already released a statement on social media that sounded very much like an admission of guilt.

In the statement, Rodgers said he took “full responsibility for his actions” and would do “whatever it takes to repair the situation.”

pic.twitter.com/735qAiLH4h

— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) June 6, 2023

Per the ESPN story citing unnamed sources, several bets were placed from an account opened under the name of an associate of Rodgers, with about 100 bets placed, including wagers on Colts games.

Rodgers enters the last year of a four-year, $3.4 million contract after being picked by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2020 draft.

The investigation of Rodgers, who admitted fault in his social media post, begs the question: Is enough done to deter players from trying to gamble on NFL games?

Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2023 season, and just recently three NFL players were suspended indefinitely and two others – including Lions wideout Jameson Williams – are banned for the first six weeks, because of league gambling violations.

Are the penalties not harsh enough?

Can the league’s teams do more to educate its players on the perils of illegal gambling?

The number of players who’ve been suspended for gambling is an extremely low percentage compared to the total number of NFL players, but this is the second straight offseason in which the league has handed down a gambling suspension.

Also, the NFL won’t ever totally eradicate violators of their gambling policy.

Even Major League Baseball, with an extremely harsh performance-enhancing drug policy, still has to issue an occasional suspension.

When MLB first instituted its steroid policy in 2005, suspensions for first-time offenders were 10 games. By 2014, the penalty had increased to 80 games.

If the number of NFL players who violate the gambling policy continues to rise, the league might have to consider a multi-year suspension for first-time offenders or lifetime ban.

Jets Cancel Camp

The Jets have joined a small NFL fraternity that includes the Bengals and Eagles, deciding to ditch a mandatory minicamp.

Per NFL Network, the Jets canceled next week’s mandatory minicamp because they picked up an additional week of training camp because of their involvement in the Hall of Fame game.

The #Jets have decided not to hold mandatory minicamp next week, source said, thanks in part to coming to training camp a week early due to the Hall of Fame game. Pleased with the work this spring, coach Robert Saleh sets them free a bit early.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 6, 2023

In other Jets news, quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t participate in 11 on 11s in their latest OTA as he nurses a minor calf tweak. Rodgers did participate in 7 on 7s.

Aaron Rodgers will be in 7-on-7 drills and 2-minute drills today but not 11-on-11. They don't want anyone around his legs.

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) June 6, 2023

Bills Land Floyd

Looking to spice up their pass rush, the Bills signed veteran free-agent outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, the team announced.

Floyd signed a one-year pact worth up to $9 million if he reaches sack incentives, per ESPN.

New #Bills pass-rusher Leonard Floyd's one-year deal is worth $7M fully guaranteed, with incentive package for eight, 10 and 12 sacks that can get it to $9M, per source. Cap hit will be lower due to void years.

One of top remaining free agents gets good investment from Buffalo.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 6, 2023

The eighth-year pro, who was the ninth overall pick of the Bears in 2016, spent his last three years with the Rams.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott is assuming play-calling duties while former defensive coordinator Lelie Frazier is taking off at least one year.

Thomas Ready for Camp

With a new QB at the helm, the New Orleans Saints are hoping to return to contending form in a wide-open NFC South.  

Much is dependent on the health of two-time All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has not played a full season since 2019. 

However, the 30-year-old expects to be full go when training camp begins.

Saints WR Michael Thomas said he will be ready for training camp "Day 1, full speed." Said he'll be back to form "just like everyone’s used to."

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) June 6, 2023

Thomas played just three games in 2022, catching 16 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns, but when healthy has been a top-level wideout that consistently is among the league leaders in receiving yards.

Though Thomas has been a subject of trade and free agency rumors in recent seasons, he expressed a commitment to New Orleans entering this season. 

– Geoff Mosher and Benjamin Paul contributed to this report for InsideTheBirds.com.

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