NFL Drops the Hammer on Gambling, Players Can Now Be Banished for Life

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.

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