Gambling and sports are a dangerous mix, and even the best in the game aren’t immune to temptation. When pro athletes cross the line, the consequences can be career-shattering. Read on to find 15 professional athletes who risked it all, got caught, and paid the price.
Josh Shaw
In November 2019, Josh Shaw, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, was banned for at least the 2020 season after being caught betting on NFL games while on injured reserve. His wagers included games involving his team, and this led to significant scrutiny from the league.
Felipe Hernandez
Felipe Hernandez, a midfielder for Sporting Kansas City, was given a suspension after admitting to betting on MLS matches. Hernandez reported himself to MLS authorities after struggling with gambling addiction, leading to a thorough investigation. The suspension lasted for the remainder of the 2021 season.
Calvin Ridley
As wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, Ridley became a major talking point in 2022 when he was prevented from playing for the season after betting on NFL games while injured. Ridley was also suspected of gambling on other sports, including Basketball, according to an ESPN publication.
Stanley Berryhill
Stanley Berryhill, a former Detroit Lions player, was suspended for six games in 2023. He did not place bets on NFL games, but his gambling activities took place within a team facility, which breaches NFL rules. Despite this setback, Berryhill is back again on the pitch with the BC Lions.
Jameson Williams
In 2023, Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams received a six-game suspension for betting on non-NFL events while at the team facility. The NFL took decisive action to uphold its gambling policy, which prohibits players from placing bets at team facilities.
Rashod Berry
Although the NFL didn’t find any evidence of game manipulation, as per an ESPN post, Rashod Berry, a tight end who spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. He was reinstated in 2024 and will continue playing in 2025.
Shaka Toney
As part of the Washington Commanders, he received an indefinite suspension in 2023 due to an NFL gambling policy breach. Following an investigation into his betting activities, Toney’s suspension was cut short in April of this year, and he was reinstated to the league.
Vince India
Turning attention to golf, Vince India, a member of the Form Ferry Tour, received a six-month suspension for placing bets on PGA Tour competitions. As announced by the tour, he didn’t place bets on tournaments he was playing in, but that did not stop Vince from serving his suspension.
Alex Karras
While playing for the Detroit Lions, Alex Karras was suspended during the entire 1963 season after it was revealed that he had made bets on NFL games, a serious breach of league rules. He admitted to placing bets on the games alongside Green Bay Packers’ Paul Hornung.
Jontay Porter
In 2023, this basketball player with ties to the NBA was suspended. An investigation found that Porter broke league rules by disclosing private information to sports bettors and keeping his participation in one or more games for betting purposes. These actions resulted in a life ban.
Tucupita Marcano
Rising MLB player Tucupita Marcano also received a lifetime suspension in 2024 for going against the league’s gambling policies. MLB disclosed that Tucupita totaled over $150,000 across 387 bets in October 2022 and from July to November 2023 with a legal sportsbook, as highlighted by the CTV news.
Shane Pinto
Shane Pinto, center for the Ottawa Senators, was suspended by the NHL for 41 games due to violating the league’s sports wagering rules. Pinto expressed regret for his actions and issued an apology to the league, his team, the fans, and his family.
Quintez Cephus
Shane Pinto, center for the Ottawa Senators, was suspended by the NHL for 41 games due to violating the league’s sports wagering rules. Pinto expressed regret for his actions and issued an apology to the league, his team, the fans, and his family.
Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
A cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, Isaiah Rodgers Sr., faced suspension for one season in 2023 after being caught gambling on NFL games. His actions violated the league’s no-betting policy, leading to his suspension and eventual release by the Colts, but he was signed by the Eagles two months later.
Joey Barton
In 2017, English soccer player Joey Barton was handed an 18-month suspension after admitting to placing over 1,260 bets on soccer matches between 2006 and 2016. Barton went against the FA’s gambling rules, but his sentence was later reduced by five months following an appeal board hearing that same year.
15 Sports Figures Who Gambled and Faced the Consequences