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The NFL has indefinitely suspended Arizona Cardinals director of college scouting Ryan Gold after determining he violated the league’s gambling policy by sharing confidential draft information and participating in football-related betting.
According to the league, its investigation found Gold provided confidential, non-public information regarding the Cardinals’ 2026 NFL Draft selections before those picks were announced. Investigators also found that he participated in parlay bets involving NFL and college football games.
The NFL said there is no evidence that the integrity of any NFL game was affected but described the violations as serious enough to warrant an indefinite suspension. Gold has the right to appeal the discipline.
NFL cites two major gambling policy violations
The NFL said Gold committed two separate violations of its gambling policy:
- Sharing confidential draft information: Gold provided non-public information about the Cardinals’ 2026 draft selections before they were announced.
- Placing football parlays: The league determined he participated in parlay wagers involving NFL and college football games.
In a statement, the NFL reiterated that all league and club personnel are prohibited from participating in sports gambling or providing confidential information to third parties.
“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.
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,” the NFL said.
Draft information has become increasingly valuable as sportsbooks and prediction markets have expanded wagering options surrounding the NFL Draft. Betting markets now allow wagers on outcomes such as the first overall pick and which team will draft a specific player, making non-public information particularly sensitive.
The NFL also noted that it provides annual gambling policy education to more than 20,000 league and club personnel.
Cardinals support NFL decision
The Cardinals said they support the league’s decision and emphasized that the investigation involved a single employee.
“The NFL’s policies and expectations for all employees are clear, comprehensive, and consistently communicated. We fully support the league’s decision in this matter, which involves a single employee. Our focus remains on preparing for the start of training camp next week and the 2026 season.”
Gold is in his 13th season with Arizona. He joined the organization in 2014, served as college scouting coordinator before becoming assistant director of college scouting, and was promoted to director of college scouting in June 2025.
The NFL said the Cardinals fully cooperated with the investigation and that investigators found no indication that any other member of the organization, coach or player was aware of or involved in the violations. The league’s review included interviews with relevant individuals and an examination of electronic records.
Gold denies claims, plans NFL appeal
According to news by CBS Sports, Gold’s attorney has denied the allegations and said the longtime NFL executive intends to appeal.
According to his legal team, the allegations are false, and Gold disputes both the claim that he participated in prohibited gambling activity and the allegation that he knowingly shared confidential draft information.
Until the appeal is resolved, Gold’s indefinite suspension remains in effect.
