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A One-Year Suspension for Calvin Ridley Is Absurd

1. If you’re one of these people whose schtick is “a rule is a rule,” please do me a favor and stop reading now and go read another column on SI.com.

If you’re someone who likes to use common sense, then please stick around.

I fully understand Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley should not have bet on NFL games. I fully support the NFL punishing Ridley.

However, a one-year suspension, which Ridley cannot even appeal until Feb. 15, 2023, is over the top.

Here’s where common sense comes in: You know why a player betting on his own team is considered “bad”?