The NFL reminded its players Friday that they are prohibited from taking part in any form of illegal gambling and betting on league games.
In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league asked all 32 teams Friday to reiterate key aspects of its gambling policy and make the document readily available to players.
“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 that 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 subject comes up yearly,” Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton stated. “There’s a specific amount of shows. It hits heavy. … Clearly, it hits the sports activities world and somebody that’s an in depth pal of many people, myself included, and also you hate it. So, clearly, none of it’s value it. … We’ve acquired to be fairly diligent on that.”
The NFL Gamers Affiliation despatched the same memo to gamers on Friday, declaring that they need to not wager on the NFL, gamble on the workforce facility or whereas touring for a street sport or staying at a workforce lodge, have somebody wager for them, share “inside info,” enter a sportsbook throughout the NFL taking part in season besides to entry one other a part of the on line casino, or promote any type or playing or any playing entity.
NFL gamers are allowed to legally place bets on different sports activities so long as they’re off membership property or not touring with the workforce. Additionally they are allowed to participate in conventional fantasy soccer leagues (prize cash can’t exceed $250) and legally gamble at casinos on private time.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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