|
“We all have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the
Shield by ensuring that our game is played fairly, honestly and
to the best of a player’s ability,” the NFL management council
wrote in the memo. “NFL players must also take appropriate steps
to safeguard the game against gambling-related risks that may
undermine the confidence and trust of the fans.”
The reminder followed an FBI investigation into illicit gambling
activities resulted in the arrests of NBA coach Chauncey Billups
of the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and
others.
“These developments underscore the risks that all sports are
facing in the current environment and serve as a reminder of the
need to adhere strictly to the NFL gambling policy,” the NFL
wrote.
According to the NFL policy, players must not:
—place any bet on NFL Football;
—throw or fix any NFL game or event, or otherwise manipulate or
attempt to manipulate any play or other aspect of an NFL game;
—share confidential, non-public information regarding any NFL
game, player or event with any third party.
“That topic comes up every year," Denver Broncos coach Sean
Payton said. “There’s a certain amount of presentations. It hits
heavy. ... Obviously, it hits the sports world and someone
that’s a close friend of many of us, myself included, and you
hate it. So, obviously, none of it’s worth it. ... We’ve got to
be pretty diligent on that.”
The NFL Players Association sent a similar memo to players
Friday pointing out that they should not bet on the NFL, gamble
at the team facility or while traveling for a road game or
staying at a team hotel, have someone bet for them, share
“inside information,” enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing
season except to access another part of the casino, or promote
any form or gambling or any gambling entity.
NFL players are allowed to legally place bets on other sports as
long as they are off club property or not traveling with the
team. They also are allowed to take part in traditional fantasy
football leagues (prize money cannot exceed $250) and legally
gamble at casinos on personal time.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
