Denver Broncos player suspended by NFL over betting breaches
Defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike given indefinite ban from league games in latest regulatory action
The National Football League (NFL) has indefinitely suspended Denver Broncos player Eyioma Uwazurike for breaching the league’s rules on sports betting.
Uwazurike, a defensive lineman for the Broncos, is understood to have bet on NFL games during the 2022 season and will now miss the entire 2023 season following the suspension.
The 25-year-old will not be eligible to petition for reinstatement until July 24, 2024, and will not count as part of Denver’s 90-man offseason roster, with the Broncos expected to sign kicker Brett Maher as a replacement.
In a statement, the Broncos confirmed the suspension, pledging to ensure the situation would not be repeated.
“We were informed by the NFL today that Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league indefinitely for violating its gambling policy,” the team said in the statement.
“Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously.
“The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources, and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s Gambling Policy,” the Broncos concluded.
Uwazurike is the first NFL player to be suspended since the league rolled out a streamlined version of its policy on gambling by players, committing to a crackdown on any offences.
In the wake of the introduction, the policy drew criticism from Bronco’s coach Sean Payton, who questioned the implementation across the league in June.
“We got a packet from the league,” Payton said on June 8.
“If you’re a teacher and half your class get a D, you better look at yourself. It’s not the policy, but it’s the implementation, the understanding, and the educating of the policy.
“I presented a week and a half ago, and now someone officially will present [it]. Hopefully, it won’t be from that eight-page handout we received because that was more confusing I was more confused? after I read it than it I? was before I looked at it. I think we’re all on the same page,” Payton added.
Other NFL players suspended by league include Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, Colts outside linebacker Rashod Berry, and free agent Demetrius Taylor were all given indefinite suspensions in June for breaching league gambling rules.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was also suspended for breaching the league’s rules, but only for six games.
Five other players, including three Detroit Lions players were indefinitely suspended by the league in May.