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On Monday, Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons.  Doyle signed a three-year, $21.3 million contract extension in 2019. He was set to receive a $4.7 million base salary in 2022. He wrote in a statement: “I have a deep respect for the dedication and commitment it takes to be out there for your teammates. My body is telling me that is a sacrifice I can no longer make.”

The 31-year-old Doyle played in 131 games and earned spots in two Pro Bowls during his nine-year career with the Colts. He finishes his Colts career 14th in receptions (295), 24th in yards (2,729) and 13th in receiving touchdowns (24).

Doyle said he plans to stay in Indianapolis to raise his family, sharing his affection for the Colts organization as well as the game of football. He concluded: “Out of everything, being called a teammate was what I took the most pride in. I have been blessed with some of the best teammates and they will forever be my friends. Being a teammate is what I will miss the most. I firmly believe that there is nothing better than being a teammate in the greatest team sport.”

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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday in a news release that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 NFL season for betting on games.  The release stated that the 27-year-old Ridley bet on games during the 2021 season. Ridley can appeal the suspension within three days, and can petition for reinstatement Feb. 15, 2023. Ridley tweeted Monday afternoon that he wagered a total of $1,500 and doesn’t “have a gambling problem.  Just gone be more healthy when I come back.”

The league said Ridley’s betting activity took place during a five-day period in late November, while he was away from the Falcons and team facilities. Ridley appeared in five games last season, before stepping away from football in November to address his mental health.  The NFL said it “uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.”

Goodell wrote: “There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL.” Goodell also commended Ridley for reporting for an interview and admitting his actions.

The Atlanta Falcons said in a statement: “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”

Ridley joined the Falcons in 2018. He totaled 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine scores in 15 games in 2020, and totaled 31 catches for 281 yards and two scores to start his 2021 campaign. Ridley was set to make $11.1 million in base salary in 2022, but that will now carry over into the 2023 campaign.

Editorial credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com