Former Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley was allegedly “targeted” by an Atlanta area gang in a robbery, according to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
Willis announced Monday the indictment of 26 members of the Drug Rich gang who allegedly targeted celebrities, athletes, and social media influencers in the Atlanta area.
Ridley, a receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was identified as a target of the gang. Among others mentioned in the indictment as targets are pop star Mariah Carey, reality TV star Marlo Hampton, and former U.S. men’s soccer team star Brad Guzan.
Ridley, a two-time national champion and standout with the Crimson Tide, was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Falcons in 2018. Since entering the NFL, Ridley has been one of the best receivers in the league.
However, Ridley’s 2021 season was cut short due when stepped away to focus on mental health. In March, the NFL announced Ridley would be suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games.
Members of the gang sought people who posted lavish photos to their social media platforms, Willis said. The indictment alleged that members committed carjacking, home invasions, armed robbery, and kidnapping. No murders had been publicly attributed to the gang, though they have committed numerous crimes throughout the Atlanta area.
Willis described the gang as a “hybrid gang” comprised of Bloods, Crips, and Gangster Disciples. The indictment alleges that the gang can be traced back to a spree of crimes as far back as 2016.
Ben Richardson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News
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