NFL officials are looking for ways to make sure players are aware of the rules as gambling becomes a bigger problem throughout the league.
In recent months, the NFL has suspended a number of players and is reportedly looking into others. One of the famous athletes that has been punishment for gambling is Calvin Ridley. He cautioned his teammates from breaking the league’s gambling rules.
Six “key rules” regarding wagering were introduced by the league earlier this week in an effort to strengthen its stance against athletes participating in sports gambling. However, Eric DeCosta, general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, made a decision to go a step further by directly appealing to the team’s roster of players.
The Baltimore Sun reported that DeCosta began the Ravens minicamp sessions by “laying out the details of the NFL’s prohibition against gambling and emphasising the severity of potential penalties.”
The NFL has seen an increase in partnerships with gaming businesses, and the Ravens are beginning their second season of an agreement with BetMGM.
Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, expressed his hope that DeCosta’s personal appeal would leave the players with a clear message.
You should be concerned that it isn’t always obvious, Harbaugh said. The simplest course of action would be to simply avoid it, but because guys would be on holiday, they may play blackjack or other games; there is nothing wrong with it if they do it.
“However, it is very clear when it comes to sports betting, where you can be throughout the season, and other similar matters, as well as when it comes to not betting on football, period, end of story. That’s pretty obvious, no?
Jameson Williams, a wide receiver with the Detroit Lions, will miss the first six games of the 2018 season in addition to Ridley, who has been suspended for the entire season for betting on non-NFL sports.
Marlon Humphrey and Ronnie Stanley, two Ravens players, expressed gratitude for DeCosta’s efforts.
Stanley remarked, “I don’t think it bothers me.” “There could be a misunderstanding, but I don’t believe so. Because there are so many various gambling rules, websites, and fantasy sports, I believe guys, especially those in the younger age, are perhaps a little bit more perplexed about what they can and cannot do. I am aware that the league and [NFLPA] work to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of what we can and cannot gamble on by holding these meetings.
