The NFL’s controversial policy on its players’ ability to gamble has been called into question again, amid reports one unnamed star lost an incredible $8million in 2022.
Bizarrely, it is illegal for any non-playing NFL employee to gamble on any sport, but the ban only applies to players with regards to their sport.
Therefore, NFL players can legally put money down on any other sports, and one recent report claims some have certainly been making the most of the loophole.
A report by NBC Sports carries comments from a league source, who reveals that one player lost $8m from gambling in a single year in 2022, laying bare a huge problem the league is yet to address.
The NFL solely controls its gambling policy with no input from the NFLPA – the players’ association.
It has been reported that one NFL player lost $8million gambling on other sports in 2022
Players are not able to bet on their own sport, but it is legal for them to bet on other sports
Reports about the unnamed players’ losses are sure to raise further questions of the league’s commissioner Roger Goodell, who has the power to amend the policy.
Gambling in the United States is already a tricky topic, with betting not legal in all states, with Texas, California and Florida among those where it is illegal.
Therefore, players from some teams are able to gamble, while others are not.
Earlier this month, it was revealed the NFL had opened an investigation into an Indianapolis Colts player for possible violations of the league’s gambling policy.
It later emerged that the player in question was Colts cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers, who then took responsibility and said he would do ‘whatever it takes’ to rectify the situation.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodger apologized for violating NFL’s betting policy. There is no suggestion that he is the player who lost $8m last year
The kick returner released a statement on social media addressing the situation earlier in June
‘I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation,’ he said in an Instagram statement. ‘The last think I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches and my teammates.
‘I’ve let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgement and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes ae rectified through this process.
‘It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.’
There is no information to suggest that Rodgers is the player who lost $8m last year.