Cardinals’ Josh Shaw suspended for betting on NFL games

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Josh Shaw has been suspended through at least end of 2020 season for betting on NFL games on multiple occasions this season, first time in more than 35 years a player has been banned for gambling.

little-kwn Shaw hasn’t played for Cardinals this season after being placed on injured reserve following an injury during preseason.

His suspension comes as NFL — and or U.S. sports leagues — enter an era when legal sports gambling is spreading across country and gaining mainstream acceptance. For pro sports to coexist with gambling, y must avoid scandal that would arise from betting by players and ors who can directly affect outcome of games.

“ continued success of NFL depends directly on each of us doing everything necessary to safeguard integrity of game and reputations of all who participate in league. At core of this responsibility is longstanding principle that betting on NFL games, or on any element of a game, puts at risk integrity of game, dams public confidence in NFL, and is forbidden under all circumstances,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “If you work in NFL in any capacity, you may t bet on NFL football.”

league anunced suspension Friday. Shaw was banned for at least rest of this season and entire 2020 season. He can petition for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2021.

According to NFL, a league investigation found evidence that Shaw used inside information or compromised any games. Shaw hasn’t been in uniform since he suffered a shoulder injury in preseason opener.

league also said it found evidence that teammates, coaches or or players were aware of Shaw betting on games.

Cardinals didn’t comment on suspension, referring to NFL’s statement.

NFL did t say where Shaw placed his bets. Sports betting is w legal in 13 states after a Supreme Court decision in 2018 struck down federal law that had limited full-scale legal sports betting to Nevada. NFL has long been opposed to expansion of legal gambling but since decision has softened its stance and entered into limited partnerships with sportsbook operators.

league also approved Oakland Raiders’ move to gambling mecca of Las Vegas, where franchise will play starting in 2020.

Suspensions of NFL players for betting are rare. highest-profile case was in 1963 when Paul Hornung of Green Bay Packers and Alex Karras of Detroit Lions were banned for entire season. Both were reinstated following season and Hornung went on to make Hall of Fame.

In most recent case, Baltimore Colts quarterback Art Schlichter was suspended in 1983 for betting on NFL games and or sporting events. He, too, was reinstated following year.

27-year-old Shaw was a fourth-round draft pick by Cincinnati Bengals out of USC in 2015. He spent three seasons with Cincinnati — starting 12 games in 2016 — and was cut at start of last season. He played four games last year for Kansas City and four games for Tampa Bay.

Shaw was signed by Cardinals in offseason to a one-year deal. If he wants to appeal his suspension, he has three days to file a tice with league.