NEWSLETTER
NFL minicamps have enough going on as is, so I’m sure coaches would rather not have to spend time dealing with something like the league’s gambling policy. And yet, Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus confirmed to reporters (h/t Brad Biggs) at Halas Hall that league representatives met with his team regarding the league’s rules regarding gambling:
To say that gambling has led to “sticky situations” around the league feels like it only scratches the surface. This isn’t to say that the NFL is taking this matter lightly. It isn’t. Quite the opposite, in fact. That the NFL is taking some initiative now and going around the league to meet with teams and players to hammer home its gambling policy is an important step.
But now I’m wondering if this falls under the “too little, too late” category.
The NFL suspended five players in April for violating the league’s gambling policy, including Detroit Lions 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. This figures to seriously impact a Lions team that many consider to be favorites to win the NFC North. Yes, I realize the irony of that last sentence being in this post. Let’s move on. Two months later, Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was being investigated by the league for “pervasive” gambling — which included wagers involving his own team. That’s been a big no-no since the Pete Rose incident of years back. And to think, we’re barely a year removed from the NFL suspending Calvin Ridley for a year for betting on NFL games. You’d think a year-long suspension of a prominent player would be an eye-opener for players. And maybe it has been for some. But it hasn’t been for all.
Heck, PFT’s Mike Florio hears one NFL player lost $8 million while gambling in 2022. YIKES!
FWIW: The NFL is putting on a good effort to try and right the ship. Executive VP of Communications and Player Health and Safety Jeff Miller did a spot on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” program laying out the gambling policy. In the video below, you’ll see the NFL’s six most-important rules for players. Check it out:
This is quite the attempt at addressing an issue that isn’t going away anytime soon. Here’s hoping it is a first step in the right direction.
