In recent weeks, the NFL has dished out several gambling-related suspensions ahead of the 2023 season.
The most recent recipient of one of these suspensions is Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Petit-Frere, a 2022 third-round pick out of Ohio State, has received a six-game suspension for gambling at the workplace. The former Buckeyes star is adamant that he never bet on any NFL games, but he’s been suspended for betting on other sports while on team grounds.
Petit-Frere issued a statement to ESPN on Thursday, claiming he “did not knowingly break the rules.”
Take a look at the statement, via Adam Schefter, here:
Titans’ OT Nicholas Petit-Frere is being suspended six games for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Petit-Frere is adamant that he did not bet on NFL games. But he is being suspended for betting on other sports at the workplace.
His statement to ESPN: pic.twitter.com/mvXfig5V10
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2023
Relative to some other players, Petit-Frere got off easy.
On Wednesday, Schefter reported that a “handful” of players — including Indianapolis Colts cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers — would receive season-long suspensions for violations of the league’s gambling policy. These players join Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney with suspensions for the entire 2023 season.
Petit-Frere started 16 games for the Titans in his rookie season. He’ll be available for Tennessee’s Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.