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NFL finalizing discipline for several players linked to gambling violations, AP sources say

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FILE - Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (34) stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Nov. 6, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. Rodgers did not practice with his teammates Wednesday, June 7, 2023, two days after the team said it was aware of an NFL investigation into gambling allegations about one of its players. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

The NFL is finalizing disciplinary action against more players for gambling violations, including Indianapolis Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers Sr., two people familiar with the plans told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because an official announcement won’t be made until later this week.

A year-long suspension would be consistent with other punishments handed down for similar violations.

A spokesman for the Colts declined comment. Rodgers’ agent didn’t respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday.

The first indication Rodgers was involved came when a website that covers sports wagering, sportshandle.com, reported in early June that an unidentified Colts player had been involved with “pervasive” betting. The report said the player placed ”hundreds” of bets, some on the Colts.

“Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote. “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about.

“I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

But Rodgers isn’t the only player being punished for violating the league’s gambling policy, which bars players, coaches, league and team officials from betting on NFL games, placing bets at team facilities or team hotels or having someone else place a bet for them, among other restrictions.

The other players have not yet been identified.

With many states legalizing sports books specifically and gambling in general, leagues such as the NFL must increasingly contend with gambling infractions.

In April, the NFL suspended five players, four of them with the Detroit Lions, for gambling infractions. The Lions released three players — receivers Quintez Cephus and Stanley Berryhill and safety C.J. Moore. Cephus and Moore were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games while Berryhill and receiver Jameson Williams each drew six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL games.

Williams, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 draft, remains on Detroit’s roster.

Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney also received an indefinite suspension in April for betting on NFL games, and in 2022 the NFL gave then-Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley a season-long suspension for betting. He was reinstated in March and now plays for Jacksonville.

Losing Rodgers would be a big blow to a Colts secondary already under reconstruction. He was projected to be a starter this season, his fourth in the NFL, and the former UMass star was expected to add a veteran voice in a young position room.

Indy lost veteran safety Rodney McLeod in free agency, traded cornerback Stephon Gilmore to Dallas and moved Julian Blackmon from free safety to strong safety this offseason. The Colts also took four defensive backs in the draft. Fifth-round pick Daniel Scott, a safety, will miss the entire season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament this month in practice.

But Rodgers still has the support of his friends and teammates.

“I have just given him words of encouragement,” starting cornerback Kenny Moore II said. “I mean it’s the same thing you would tell a brother who was going through something — you would give him a hand, you would tell him you’ll be there for him, so stay strong. You would do all you can to make sure he perseveres.”

 

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves

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Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, wearing a white No. 5 jersey, dribbles while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards defends in a blue uniform.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93, dropping the Magic to 0-2. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS)
— A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.

Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards holds the basketball while airborne as Orlando’s Paolo Banchero contests behind him and another Magic defender raises both arms.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Third-quarter struggles prove costly

Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com

Carter leads Orlando

Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters

Perimeter shooting remains a concern

Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com

Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.

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Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

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The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

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Orlando Magic Add Veteran NBA Coaches, Player Development Leaders to Sean Sweeney's Coaching Staff

Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.

ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.

Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips

Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.

The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.

“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”

Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts

The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.

Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.

“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”

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