As the sports world becomes increasingly entangled with the gambling world, the NFL is taking some new steps to ensure it doesn’t become a major problem.
On Friday, the league announced that it was increasing penalties for players who bet on NFL games.
“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game,” the league and players’ union said in a joint statement.
According to NFL.com, players who bet on non-NFL sports while in an NFL or team facility will now receive the following punishment:
A two-game suspension without pay for a first violation A six-game suspension without pay for a second violation A full year (17-game) suspension without pay for a third violation
A two-game suspension is actually a lighter punishment than what the NFL has previously imposed on first-time offenders.
Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams and Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere were suspended six games for betting on non-NFL sports at team facilities.
Now, the two players will be reinstated on Monday — meaning they will have only missed out on four games instead of six.
But betting on NFL games now carries much heavier penalties.