Colts release Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry amid gambling suspensions
Two members of the Indianapolis Colts that violated the NFL’s gambling policy–cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry–have been released, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday.
Rodgers and Berry received suspensions for the entirety of the 2023 season and it’s unclear whether they will receive another opportunity to play in the league.
And now the Colts officially have waived defensive end Rashod Berry and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr, whom the NFL suspended today at least one year today for violating gambling policies.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2023
Since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Rodgers has been the primary kick returner for the Colts. He was going to assume a larger role in the defense after starting nine games at cornerback last season. Berry, on the other hand, signed with the Colts’ roster in January after spending time on the Jaguars’ practice squad.
“We have made the following roster moves as a consequence of the determination that these players violated the league’s gambling policy,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard via release. “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.”
Implications of Rodgers’ Suspension
Rodgers is believed to have made “hundreds” of wagers and reportedly even bet on Colts games. He was going to play an elevated role in the Colts’ secondary this season, as PFF ranked him as the 5th best cornerback in all of football last season. The Colts acted accordingly. They dealt Stephon Gilmore to Dallas in March and let Brandon Facyson walk in free agency. Facyson competed with Rodgers for the second starting corner spot in 2022 and has since signed with the Raiders.
This primes second-round rookie out of Kansas State Julius Brents and slot corner Kenny Moore for more touches and larger roles in the defense this season. This also opens the door for rookies like Darius Rush and Jaylon Jones to see some playing time.
Berry was a tight end and defensive end at Ohio State and appeared in eight games as a tight end with the Patriots and Lions in 2020 and 2021. He spent all of 2022 on Jacksonville’s practice squad before being signed by Indianapolis.
The Titans, Lions and Commanders also had players indicted in the NFL’s investigation.
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