The NFL has suspended Cardinals executive Ryan Gold indefinitely for violating the league's gambling policy, effective immediately.
Gold, who was in his 13th season with the Cardinals, was found to have provided inside information regarding the team's draft selections before the picks were announced. He also participated in parlay bets on NFL and college games.
The NFL's investigation determined that Gold's actions were a clear breach of the league's strict gambling policy, which prohibits anyone in the NFL from participating in or facilitating any form of sports gambling, and from providing third parties non-public information.
The league takes any violation of the gambling policy with the utmost seriousness, according to a statement. "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."
Gold was promoted to director of college scouting last summer, after spending the previous three years as the assistant director of college scouting. Prior to that, he spent four seasons as a college scouting coordinator.
The NFL's decision to suspend Gold indefinitely highlights the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. The league's gambling policy is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, and it is clear that Gold's actions were a serious breach of that policy.
It is unclear how the NFL knew to begin investigating Gold, but the investigation has resulted in his indefinite suspension. Gold can appeal the suspension, according to the league.
The suspension will likely have a significant impact on the Cardinals' scouting operations, and it remains to be seen how the team will respond to Gold's indefinite suspension. For now, Gold's future in the NFL remains uncertain.
Source: Yahoo Sports