Just days after the NFL announced its first sports betting suspension in nearly three years, a prominent figure from the Arizona Cardinals has firmly denied any misconduct. Ryan Gold, the director of college scouting for the team, was suspended indefinitely following a violation of the league's sports betting policy. According to the NFL's findings, Gold leaked confidential information about the Cardinals’ 2026 NFL Draft picks.
Mike Caspino, Gold's lawyer, described the allegations as "blatantly false" during a statement made Sunday. While the NFL has not disclosed who received the leaked information, it remains unclear if any bets were placed based on the insights shared by Gold. Caspino indicated that they have submitted an appeal and expressed hope to clear Gold's name.
In the lead-up to the draft, the Cardinals underwent significant changes, including the release of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. They invested their third overall pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, followed by quarterback Carson Beck, offensive lineman Chase Bisontis, and wide receiver Reggie Virgil in subsequent rounds. BetMGM had given Love a +225 odds for being selected with the third pick just two days prior, second only to Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. Caspino stated that Gold had no prior knowledge of the specific selections, asserting that only owner Michael Bidwill and General Manager Monti Ossenfort were informed.
Gold's wife reportedly participated in several $10 weekly parlay bets with friends, yet Caspino insists Gold was not involved. The NFL emphasized that its gambling policy prohibits any personnel from sharing nonpublic information related to betting. In an official statement, the league reiterated its stance, stating, "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.”
This situation comes in the wake of comments from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during last week’s NBA Summer League, where he expressed interest in a joint effort with other professional leagues to establish standards for sports integrity. The NFL has seen a rise in gambling-related suspensions, including a one-year ban for former Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers, who admitted to placing various bets from his locker.
Despite the NHL, MLB, and MLS forming partnerships with prediction markets, the NFL and NBA still lack a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission. This topic was highlighted during a recent hearing by a US House Agriculture subcommittee regarding prediction markets.
As Gold enters his 13th season with the Cardinals, having led the college scouting since 2025, the team is set to begin training camp on Wednesday.
