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Broncos defensive lineman had been out one year and two weeks for violating league’s gambling policy during his rookie year. Uwazurike is rejoining the Broncos.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — According to an NFL source, the league has reinstated Eyioma Uwazurike following his 54-week gambling suspension.
A fourth-round draft pick of the Broncos in 2022, Uwazurike had been suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy during his rookie season. He was first eligible to petition for reinstatement on July 24, but the league wanted to wait until the state of Colorado and Arapahoe County District Attorney reviewed his gambling activity.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton later confirmed a 9NEWS report that the local authorities ended its review without pressing charges against Uwazurike.
Payton said Friday that Uwazurike had held a conference call with the league and expected his player to be cleared soon.
Uwazurike did not participate in the Broncos’ training camp practice Monday as it may be he has to first pass his physical and undergo conditioning test following his prolonged absence.
Uwazurike, 26, was initially found by an Iowa and NFL investigation to have placed hundreds of bets on a FanDuel phone app while trying to disguise his identity. Included in his activity were 32 wagers placed on five Broncos’ games in the 2022 season.
During his suspension Uwazurike was not allowed at the Broncos’ facilities although he was able to stay in contact with certain team officials. According to sources close to him, Uwazurike has attended gamblers’ anonymous meetings, separate counseling sessions and done his best to stay in football shape.
Not all players suspended for gambling are welcomed back to their teams, but Payton made it clear he wanted Uwazurike back.
Tall by NFL defensive tackle standards at 6-foot-6, Uwazurike was inactive the first half of his rookie year before eventually playing in eight games. The highlight of his rookie season was blocking a field goal attempt at the end of the half against Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
Now that Uwazurike is reinstated, his service time expected to be tolled, which would officially make him a second-year player in 2024.
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