Falcons’ Calvin Ridley Reportedly Targeted In A Chain Of Robberies By Gang Members
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The home of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was reportedly one of the homes targeted by members of a “violent street gang”, according to prosecutors. Monday, it was announced that twenty-six people were charged, with the majority of them being accused of allegedly violating Georgia’s anti-gang and racketeering laws. Prosecutors say that Ridley’s home was one of multiple other homes reportedly attacked, including the homes of Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, singer Mariah Carey, and Marlo Hampton of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said that the crimes alleged in the 220-count indictment were committed by the Drug Rich gang, a gang that reportedly took shape in an adjacent county back in 2016. The alleged crimes in the indictment include carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, shootings, and home invasions. Willis also says that the Drug Rich gang will allegedly “target people who show their wealth on social media.” Willis issued a public warning to the gang members, stating she is not going to allow any plea deals.
“If you thought Fulton was a good county to bring your crime to, to bring your violence to, you are wrong and you are going to suffer consequences and today is the start of some of those consequences. I am not going to negotiate with gang members. I am not going to allow pleas. We are going to find you, we are going to convict you and we’re going to send you to the prison for the rest of your days, and I’m not apologizing for that.”
Ridley is currently serving an indefinite suspension that is expected to last the entire 2022 season. It came, after the National Football League found that the receiver was betting on NFL games in 2021. The NFL announced on March 7th that Ridley had allegedly gambled on games over a five-day period in November 2021 when he was on the non-football injury list to address his mental health issues. Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Ridley of his suspension via a letter.
“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. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL. For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”
No evidence was revealed in regards to the NFL’s investigation into Ridley potentially using inside information to bet on games, or “that any game was compromised in any way”.
ESPN has more HERE.
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