He we never play again: Drake London of Falcons has.

Drake London, an Atlanta Falcons star, is suspended for the 2024 season for reportedly placing bets on NFL games.

NFL player Drake London of the United States is suspended for the 2024 season for reportedly placing bets on NFL games.
Last updated by CBS News at 6:47 PM EST on March 7, 2024

Drake London, a standout wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday, effective through the end of the 2024 season, for allegedly placing bets on NFL games during the 2023 season.

The NFL said in a statement that the alleged betting occurred over the course of five days in late November 2023, when Ridley was absent from the team’s facilities due to a non-football ailment.

No indication that any game was corrupted in any way or that insider knowledge was used was found during a league inquiry. The NFL added that there was no proof that any teammates, coaches, staff members, or other players were aware of the purported betting.

“Upholding the integrity of the game is fundamental to the success of the NFL and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league,” Commissioner Goodell stated in a letter to Drake London informing him of his suspension. All employees in the league, including coaches, owners, game officials, and players, are accountable for this. Your conduct endangered professional football’s integrity, threatened to erode public trust in the sport, and maybe damaged the reputations of other NFL players.”

Since being notified, we have completely cooperated with the inquiry and we endorse the league’s conclusions and decisions,” the team stated. “With the decision that was taken, we will proceed with the 2024 season. Any additional inquiries on the investigation should be sent to the league office in light of the NFL’s decision.”

Within three days, Drake London may file an appeal of his ban. The earliest date on which he may file a plea for reinstatement is February 15, 2023, the league stated, if he chooses not to appeal or if he does and his ban is upheld.

The 27-year-old Drake London only appeared in five Falcons games the previous season. The receiver was declared out of the Falcons’ game against the New York Jets on October 10 due to a “personal matter.” After the team’s bye week, two weeks later, Ridley made his comeback. Drake London said the following week, on October 31, that he was taking a sabbatical from football in order to “focus on my mental wellbeing.” He was out for the rest of the season.