Cardinals’ Ryan Gold Insists He Had No Advance Knowledge of Draft Picks Amid Gambling Allegations

Attorney Mike Caspino issued a statement on Sunday to PFT and other outlets, calling the gambling allegations against Cardinals director of college scouting Ryan Gold “blatantly false.” He further explained his client’s position in an interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Regarding the gambling claim, Caspino noted that Gold’s wife places $10 bets weekly with high‑school friends, while Gold himself was not involved. On the more serious accusation that Gold leaked the team’s draft picks, Caspino asserted that Gold had no prior knowledge; only owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort were privy to that information.

Ossenfort’s reputation for operating with the Bill Belichick‑style secrecy lends credibility to the claim that draft‑pick information is tightly controlled. Teams often employ extreme secrecy around their selections, sometimes using deliberate misdirection. A notable example occurred in 2005 when then‑Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban indicated that the club would take Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards with the second overall pick, only to select Auburn running back Ronnie Brown instead.

Chris Simms has detailed on PFT Live how, during his tenure with the New England Patriots, the draft board room was restricted to a minuscule inner circle, limiting access to only a handful of insiders.

Nevertheless, a time lag exists between when the selection is disclosed to the draft room and when it is officially announced, leaving ambiguity about exactly when any alleged leak might have occurred.

Caspino has indicated he will pursue an appeal. The case’s resolution may depend on whether Gold receives a fair, impartial hearing before a neutral arbitrator or if the NFL proceeds with an internal review of its preexisting determination.

Most observers expect the league to handle the subsequent review. (As a rhetorical flourish, not a suggestion to gamble.)

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