Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been handed a year-long suspension from NFL after betting on matches last season.
The 27-year-old took time away from the sport in October citing mental health reasons, and an investigation discovered that he had bet on matches towards the end of November.
Ridley will therefore miss the entire 2022 season and will also forfeit his base salary of $11.1m (£8.47m), although there was no evidence to suggest the player had compromised any matches.
A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell read: "Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk.
"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success - and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league - than upholding the integrity of the game.
"Your actions threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputation of your fellow players."
Ridley posted 31 receptions for 281 yards during his shortened 2021 season and cannot apply for reinstatement until February 15 of next year - three days after Super Bowl LVII.
