The NFL has indefinitely suspended Ryan Gold, an executive with the Arizona Cardinals, for violating its gambling policy. The league’s investigation found that Gold provided confidential information about the Cardinals’ 2026 draft picks before they were announced. Additionally, he participated in parlay bets on NFL and college games. The NFL did not disclose to whom Gold supplied the information.
The NFL’s Gambling Policy, reviewed annually with all personnel, prohibits any form of sports gambling and the sharing of non-public information. The league stated, “Despite no evidence that the integrity of any NFL game was compromised, violations of the Gambling Policy are taken very seriously.”
The Arizona Cardinals supported the NFL’s decision, emphasizing that the policies and expectations for all employees are clear and consistently communicated. The focus of the team remains on preparing for the upcoming training camp and the 2026 season.
Ryan Gold, who joined the Cardinals 13 years ago, was promoted to director of college scouting in June 2025. Before this promotion, he worked as assistant director of college scouting from 2022 to 2024 and as a college scouting coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
“Although there is no reason to believe the integrity of any NFL game was affected, the League takes any violation of the Gambling Policy with the utmost seriousness.” — NFL
Gold can appeal the suspension, although no immediate comment was available from him. The NFL enforces strict gambling policies for players, club, and league personnel and dedicates significant resources to gambling education, reaching over 20,000 associated individuals.
The policy specifies that players must not engage in illegal betting activities related to the NFL. They cannot share confidential information regarding NFL games, players, or events. NFL players may legally bet on other sports off club property or when not traveling with the team. They can participate in traditional fantasy football if prize money is under $250 and legally gamble at casinos during personal time.
The Cardinals cooperated fully with the NFL’s investigation. The league found no evidence that other members of the organization were aware or involved in this activity, nor that any game or play was influenced. The review involved interviews and analysis of electronic records.
Since 1963, at least 15 players have faced suspension for gambling violations, including some in recent years. The most recent suspension before Gold was Isaiah Rodgers of the Indianapolis Colts, who was indefinitely suspended in June 2023.
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