PLAYERS FACE TOUGHER PUNISHMENT FOR BETTING ON LEAGUE GAMES

USA TODAY Sports 

National Football League players who bet on NFL games will face harsher penalties under the league's revised gambling policy, according to a memo obtained by Reuters on Friday.

Players who bet on games involving their own teams will face a minimum two-year suspension, while betting on any NFL game will result in a minimum one-year suspension.

"The revised gambling policy for NFL players that we are issuing today provides that clarity and focus, and gives clear guidance to players about the consequences of violating the policy," commissioner Roger Goodell said in the memo released to clubs.

Players can still bet on legal non-NFL matters, as long as it is done outside the workplace. However, if it is done in the workplace, which includes places like the locker room and gym, then they will face punishment.

They will face a two-game suspension on the first offense and harsher punishment on subsequent violations.

Actual or attempted game fixing would result in permanent "banishment" from the NFL.

The league said it was working with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to develop a program educating players on changes to the policy.

"The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game," the league and NFLPA said in a joint statement.

"The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment."

Several NFL players have faced punishment for gambling over the last two years, as sports betting has become legal in more U.S. states and been made increasingly accessible.

In May, the players union sounded the alarm about the use of sports betting apps, warning players' agents that the mobile gambling platforms can track their clients’ activity.

The policy changes outlined on Friday also paved the way for three players to be reinstated after they were previously suspended for six games apiece for betting on non-NFL games in a club facility.

Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans and Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions will be cleared to rejoin their  on Oct. 2, while free agent Stanley Berryhill will regain eligibility on Oct. 3.

- Amy Tennery