In an effort to stay ahead of a potential gambling juggernaut filtering through the National Football League (NFL), the league and the NFL Players Association have come up with amendments to the existing policy.
The amendments run the gamut from an indefinite suspension for betting on league games to permanent expulsion for trying to fix the outcome of games, reported USA Today.
“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment,” the NFL and union said in a joint statement.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will oversee policy violations on a case-by-case basis.
Players wagering on non-NFL actions face a two-game suspension without pay for a first offense. A repeat offense will result in a six-game ban. A third infringement likely means a one year suspension.
The amendments also cover third-party or proxy betting or acquiring insider information to influence outcomes. Such actions will mean an automatic one year suspension.
On the other hand, Tennessee Titans tackle Nick Petit-Frere and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams saw a six-game suspension cut back to four games earlier this year.
