NFL investigating arm wrestling event held at casino

[April 10, 2017]  The Sports Xchange

The NFL is investigating an arm wrestling event held at a casino in Las Vegas that featured more than 30 current and former players.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN on Sunday that the league just became aware of the inaugural Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and will be looking into it further.

The competitors reportedly included Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and retired running back Marshawn Lynch.

The NFL's gambling policy prohibits players from appearing at casinos as part of promotional events, and those involved could now be facing discipline from the league.

The contest, with heavyweight and light heavyweight titles in play, took place April 5-9 and is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS on May 27-28, with the championship round shown June 3.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said the Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas would not affect the league's gambling policies. On March 27, NFL team owners voted 31-1 to approve the Raiders' application to relocate to Las Vegas during the annual league meetings in Phoenix.

"Had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was in direct violation of the gambling policy," Joe Lockhart, NFL vice president of communications, told USA Today Sports, which first reported the league's concern over the event. "No one sought pre-approval."

According to USA Today, other notable participants included Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, Raiders punter Marquette King and defensive end Mario Edwards, and New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung.

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