The NFL hit Arizona Cardinals director of college scouting Ryan Gold with an indefinite suspension on Friday for violating the league’s gambling policy, a punishment that takes effect immediately.
According to the league, Gold gave a third party confidential information about Cardinals 2026 draft selections before those picks were announced. The NFL also said he took part in parlay bets on NFL and college games.
“The NFL confirmed today that Ryan Gold, Director of College Scouting for the Arizona Cardinals, has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s Gambling Policy. This suspension is effective immediately.
The Gambling Policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, strictly prohibits anyone in the NFL from participating in or facilitating any form of sports gambling, and from providing third parties non-public information.
The League’s investigation determined that Gold provided confidential, non-public inside information regarding 2026 Draft selections by the Cardinals before they were announced, and that Mr. Gold participated in parlay bets on NFL and college games.
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.
Mr. Gold has the right to appeal.”
From a Green Bay Packers angle, Gold’s name stands out because he previously worked for new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon when Gannon was the head coach in Arizona. Based on the NFL’s wording, it does not appear Gold ever bet against the Cardinals. More details are expected to surface soon, and Gold could also face legal action tied to tipping Cardinals draft picks.
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