NFL drives home gambling policy amid increased scrutiny over player betting
Football league governing body pushes ‘key rules’ for players with officials encouraging education of players
The National Football League (NFL) has reiterated its commitment to stamping out player gambling following a series of high-profile suspensions and investigations of active players.
In a national media briefing on Tuesday, NFL executives outlined the league’s stance on gambling, reinforcing six ‘key rules’ for players and announcing an agenda of player education.
The new rules are broadly derivative from the NFL’s current gambling policy but are formatted to be easily digestible by players.
All rookie players will now be required to attend mandatory educational sessions geared around gambling, while league officials will make in-person visits to team facilities with the aim of providing clarity on which activities are prohibited.
According to ESPN, NFL EVP of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller highlighted the importance of the league’s need to be “thoughtful and careful” when sharing information and educating players on sports gambling rules.
“It comes back to, in large part, a couple of rules that have existed as long as anybody can remember,” Miller said.
“Don’t bet on the NFL. That’s not new because sports gambling is more available. That’s always been the case. And don’t bet when you’re at work, wherever work happens to be in that moment. That’s existed for a long time.
“The rules around it are pretty straightforward,” Miller added.
The media briefing comes as the NFL is facing increased scrutiny over allegations of bets being placed by active NFL players, with a slew of recent suspensions, media scrutiny and investigations.
The NFL suspended five Detroit Lions players in May for betting on games and has reportedly triggered an investigation into Indianapolis Colts player Isiah Rodgers after Rodgers admitted to placing bets on games.