Uwazurike suspended indefinately
Denver Broncos’ Eyioma Uwazurike has become the latest NFL player to be suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. The defensive lineman completed his rookie season in the 2022 campaign. He has received an indefinite ban for betting on league games during his first NFL season.
Uwazurike, 25, who the Broncos drafted with the 116th pick for the 2022 NFL Draft will be eligible for reinstatement no earlier than July 24, 2024. This means that Uwazurike, who notched up 17 tackles during his rookie season, will miss at least one year.
will be out for at least one year and can petition for reinstatement no earlier than 24 July 2024.
A statement put out by Denver Broncos read:
“Our organisation fully co-operated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously,”
“The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organisation with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s gambling policy.”
The league have stated that Uwazurike’s wagers were made during the 2022 season. Speaking at an OTA during the off-season in June, new Broncos coach Sean Payton said that the team were committed to educating players, coaches and staff about the NFL’s gambling policy.
Broncos now light in defensive numbers
Uwazurike would have been in contention for a regular starting spot for the 2023 season. The Broncos were already relatively thin on the defensive line, and it is likely that they will look to recruit a veteran defensive lineman in the lead up to the training camp.
Uwazurike latest to be banned for gambling violations in recent months
Uwazurike’s ban follows several other gambling related sanctions in the NFL in recent months.
Five players were suspended in April and last month three further players were banned for 2023.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, then with the Atlanta Falcons, missed the 2022 season for a similar offence but was reinstated in March.
Quintez Cephus, CJ Moore and Stanley Berryhill were all released by the Detriot Lions after they were among five players hit with bans for gambling violations in April.
The Indianapolis Colts released Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry after they were among three players banned for the 2023 season, while Tennessee Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was given a six match suspension for placing bets on other sports at the team facility.
NFL gambling policy prohibits team staff, league staff and players from betting on any sport at any league facility or while travelling with their teams. NFL players cannot bet on NFL games but are permitted to bet on other leagues as long as they are not doing so from an NFL facility.
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