Patriots: NFL enlists Tom Brady for educational gambling video
On May 14th, 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the previous ban on sports betting, opening the way for all 50 US states to legalize it. In the five years since the legalization, Americans have spent over $220 billion on sports gambling. While the NFL has shown some support for it, they maintain a […]
On May 14th, 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the previous ban on sports betting, opening the way for all 50 US states to legalize it. In the five years since the legalization, Americans have spent over $220 billion on sports gambling. While the NFL has shown some support for it, they maintain a strict gambling policy to uphold the integrity of the game.
"All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or through a third party, on any NFL game, practice, or other event (e.g., Draft or Combine). This includes betting on game outcome, statistics, score, the performance of any individual participant, “futures”, or any other kind of “proposition bet” in any way related to the NFL (regardless of whether such bet involves actual on-field play) (e.g., prop bets related to Gatorade color, pre- or post-game events, halftime show, off-field player conduct or outcomes, etc.)"
Here are a few other noteworthy sections of the leagues gambling policy:
- NFL players are allowed to gamble on any other sporting event that is not tied to the NFL or its events.
- NFL players are not allowed to throw or fix games, influence its outcome, statistics or manipulate any aspect of the game.
- NFL players must always give their best effort in an NFL game, soliciting or encouraging anyone to not give their best effort for a gambling-related purpose is strictly prohibited.
- NFL players are prohibited from using or disclosing any confidential information regarding any NFL game or event.
- NFL players shall not enter any sports book at any time during the NFL season unless passing through to enter a permissible area of the casino or hotel complex.
- NFL players are not allowed to place any bets in any club or league facility, while traveling for team ventures, on team transit, or while making a promotional appearance. Playing cards or other casino-style games are allowed as long nothing of value is wagered.
- NFL players are allowed to partake in season-long fantasy football leagues as long as the prize does not exceed $250.
- NFL players are prohibited from accepting any complimentary gift or offering from a gambling entity if the value exceeds $250
In recent years there has been a significant uptick in players violating these policies resulting in significant league-wide suspensions. Notably, former Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entirety of the 2022 season due to violating the league's gambling policy in 2021.
In April, the NFL suspended five players for violating the league's policies. Detroit Lions safety CJ Moore, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney have all been suspended indefinitely, with the possibility to apply for reinstatement after the 2023 NFL season. As a result, the Lions decided to part ways with both players.
The other two players who were suspended were Detroit Lions wide receivers, Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams. They were both suspended for six games for placing non-NFL-related bets within the team's facility, which is prohibited.
This past week, news broke regarding a potentially significant violation of the league's gambling policy involving Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Reports indicate that Rodgers is under investigation by the NFL for allegedly placing "hundreds" of bets, some of which were reportedly placed on the Indianapolis Colts.
This is an open investigation, but it doesn't look good. Rodgers quickly took to Twitter to accept responsibility for his actions and apologize.
In response to the wave of players violating the league's gambling policy, the NFL has enlisted former quarterback Tom Brady to record an introduction for an educational video about the league's gambling policy. According to Mike Klis of 9News, the video will be shown to every NFL team's players as part of their regularly scheduled gambling education sessions.
Brady discusses his love for football and what it meant to him to be privileged enough to play in the NFL. He mentions the integrity of the game being threatened and hurting the reputation of your teammates.
Brady further discussed the work it takes to get to the NFL and how it isn't worth it to let one bad decision ruin that. Brady finished by encouraging players to do the right thing and follow the league's gambling policies.
Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
