The Philadelphia Eagles are still waiting for an important decision regarding the reinstatement of a key player.
The presumption is that Isaiah Rodgers will eventually be reinstated by the NFL following his suspension last season.
So, what’s causing the delay?
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up to commence Phase One of their offseason program on Monday, and naturally, they are eager to have Rodgers onboard. This would allow him to swiftly acclimate to the team’s culture, defensive strategies, new teammates, and overall environment.
Furthermore, the Eagles are keen on assessing Rodgers’ readiness before the NFL draft kicks off on April 25. This evaluation would provide insights into his physical condition after a full season of absence.
Rodgers, a cornerback expected to vie for the slot position or, potentially, start on the outside if James Bradberry is released, brings versatility to the team. Additionally, his impressive speed of 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash, showcased during his pro day at the University of Massachusetts in 2020, suggests he could also contribute as a kickoff and/or punt returner.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, Rodgers has already amassed 45 appearances and 10 starts in his initial three seasons in the league.
Reinstatement could potentially occur on Monday, but currently, Rodgers remains listed on the Eagles’ reserve/suspended roster.
He was added to the Eagles in August following his release by the Colts on June 29. On the same day, the NFL disclosed Rodgers’ suspension until after the Super Bowl, after which he could seek reinstatement from the league.
During his suspension, ESPN reported that Rodgers placed over 100 bets, including on Colts games, with most ranging from $25 to $50.
Notably, some bets were placed on games involving his own team, such as a $1,000 prop bet on the over-under on rushing yards by Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, which Rodgers won.
In a February 1 interview with ESPN, Rodgers confirmed the $1,000 bet but denied it was made from his device. He admitted to placing smaller bets ranging from $25 to $50, primarily for fun, and stated they were not intended to be financially significant.
Betting on his own team raises concerns, reminiscent of Pete Rose’s banishment from baseball for betting on games he managed for the Cincinnati Reds.
Rodgers, who celebrated his 26th birthday in January, explained that the bets were made on behalf of family members through his online sports gambling account. He admitted to knowing the risks but believed he wouldn’t get caught or face consequences.
Despite questioning his actions, Rodgers acknowledged his violation of the rules and accepted the consequences, understanding that he must face the repercussions.
