Arizona Cardinals defensive back Josh Shaw was suspended by the NFL on Friday for violating the league’s gambling policy.
The NFL announced that Shaw is suspended through at least the 2020 season for betting on NFL games multiple times. He has been out on injured reserve since August and has not played a snap for the Cardinals since signing with the team in March.
ESPN’s David Purdum reported that a particular three-team parlay placed at Caesars sportsbook in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 10, led to the suspension. The bet reportedly included the second halves of three Week 10 games, including the Cardinals game.
Arizona was trailing Tampa Bay 17-13 at halftime, and Shaw’s parlay included the Buccaneers as one-point favorites in the second half (-5 adjusted). Tampa Bay won the game by three points, failing to cover the number in the second half, which meant Shaw’s parlay lost.
The NFL announced that its investigation did not find any evidence that Shaw was using inside information to gain an advantage on his bets. All Arizona players and staff members were cleared in the investigation, as the NFL said the team was unaware of the betting.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement following the incident: “The continued success of the NFL depends directly on each of us doing everything necessary to safeguard the integrity of the game and the reputations of all who participate in the league,” Goodell said. “At the core of this responsibility is the longstanding principle that betting on NFL games, or any element of a game, puts at risk the integrity of the game, damages public confidence in the NFL, and is forbidden under all circumstances.”
Nevada gaming regulations require sportsbooks to attempt to avoid taking bets made on behalf of anyone directly associated with the team or player involved in the wager — a regulation that has been in place since 2007.
According to ESPN, Caesars contacted the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Nov. 10 after finding out that Shaw had placed the bet. He listed “professional football player” as his occupation when filling out his application for a betting account with Caesars.
Shaw was initially drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. He has recorded 108 tackles and one sack in 55 career games. If the suspension is upheld, Shaw would be eligible to petition for reinstatement after Feb. 15, 2021.