Patriots star blasts league over Calvin Ridley suspension

Reaction to Calvin Ridley’s one-year suspension was swift across the NFL on Monday, and at least one of his peers seemed pretty unhappy with how the matter played out.

New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon reacted to the suspension news on Twitter Monday. Judon referred to the suspension as “trash,” and called for the NFL to “free” Ridley.

This is trash. free Calvin https://t.co/jF3wLwGa2y

— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) March 8, 2022

NFL players are told in no uncertain terms that they cannot bet on games, regardless of whether it’s on their games or another team’s. Judon probably knows that as well as anyone.

However, Judon might feel that a one-year ban is harsh considering Ridley claims to have only wagered briefly and was not even around the Atlanta Falcons at the time. That certainly seems to be how Ridley feels about the ban, and he’s unlikely to be alone in that sentiment.

Photo: Aug 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports