Fans knew never to bet against Tom Brady during his NFL career.
Brady knows it’s a bad idea for NFL players to bet. Period.
The retired (for now, at least) three-time NFL MVP and seven-time Super Bowl champion has reportedly filmed an introduction for a gambling education video that will be shown to all NFL players.
“NFL players” and “gambling” is not a word combination the league ever wants to hear, but there have been some serious issues lately. The NFL suspended five players in April for violating the league’s gambling policy. On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts announced the NFL is investigating cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers for alleged violations of league policy. Those violations allegedly include betting on Colts games, a strict no-no. Rodgers, who faces a stiff penalty, apologized on social media, vowing to “take full responsibility.”
They’re not the first NFL players to find trouble for breaking the league’s strict rules, and they won’t be the last. However, the NFL wants to be proactive on the issue, especially considering the growing popularity and availability of gambling apps, sports books, etc.
Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News.com reported Wednesday that Brady explains that betting on NFL games tarnishes the league’s reputation. He also points out the players worked hard to get to the NFL, and it’s not worth throwing that all away by violating gambling policy.
Klis notes that Brady concluded his introduction by “imploring players to do the right thing and follow the league’s guidelines on gambling, which will be explained shortly, to help the NFL continue to be the greatest league in the world.”
If the G.O.A.T. can’t drive home the message that players shouldn’t risk everything by gambling away their career, maybe nothing will.
