The National Football League has indefinitely suspended Ryan Gold, a personnel executive for the Arizona Cardinals, for violating the league's gambling policy, the NFL announced Friday. The league's investigation concluded that Gold provided confidential, non-public information about the Cardinals' 2026 Draft selections before they were announced. He is also accused of participating in parlay bets on NFL and college games.
The NFL stated that its gambling policy strictly prohibits all personnel from participating in or facilitating any form of sports gambling and from providing non-public information to third parties. While the league found no indication that the integrity of any NFL game was affected, it emphasized its seriousness regarding policy violations.
The Arizona Cardinals issued a statement supporting the league's decision, which they described as involving a single employee. The team stated its focus remains on preparing for training camp and the upcoming 2026 season.
Gold, who is in his 13th season with the Cardinals, was promoted to director of college scouting in June 2025. He previously served as assistant director of college scouting for three seasons and as a college scouting coordinator for four seasons. Gold has the right to appeal the suspension.
The NFL maintains strict gambling policies for players, club staff, and league personnel, supported by a comprehensive gambling education program that has reached over 20,000 individuals associated with the league. The league confirmed that the Cardinals fully cooperated with the investigation and that there is no indication any other member of the organization, coach, or player was aware of or involved in Gold's activities. The NFL also stated there was no evidence that any play or game was compromised by this activity. The league's review involved interviews and the examination of electronic records.