NFL Team Executive Appeals Gambling Suspension, Denies Leaking Draft Picks

The NFL has indefinitely suspended Arizona Cardinals director of college scouting Ryan Gold for violating the league’s gambling policy, but his attorney announced this week that he is appealing the punishment, calling the accusations “blatantly false.”

The league disclosed last Friday that an investigation found Gold provided nonpublic, inside information about the Cardinals’ 2026 draft picks to an undisclosed individual before the picks were announced. The NFL did not specify who received the information, how it was used, or what money was involved. Gold is also alleged to have placed parlay wagers on NFL and college football games, both of which are prohibited under league policy.

Ryan Gold’s lawyer, Mike Caspino, told ESPN that his client “did absolutely nothing wrong” and will have his name cleared. According to Caspino, Gold could not have shared draft pick information because he did not know what the picks would be—only owner Michael Bidwill and General Manager Monti Ossenfort had that knowledge. Caspino also said the football betting uncovered by the league consisted of weekly $10 parlay bets made by Gold’s wife with her high school friends, and that Ryan Gold was not involved.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Gaming confirmed it is launching its own investigation into the betting activity. The NFL has stated that no other Cardinals staff appear to have been involved, and that game integrity was not affected.

This case adds to a string of recent betting-related incidents in professional sports, though the league has provided few details. Gold’s indefinite suspension will remain in effect while the appeal process unfolds.