Source: Digital Vision. / Getty
The other day, the NFL’s the Steelers linebacker James Harrison and the 49ers Running back Marshawn Lynch co-hosted a ProFootball Player Arm Wrestling Championship competition that was held in Las Vegas at the MGM Casino.
The competition is going to be aired on CBS Memorial Day Weekend, May 27th and May 28th and the finals on June 3rd, but the NFL is having issues with the location of this event.
The NFL has a strict gambling policy that prohibits players from “appearing at casinos as part of promotional events” and any event like this needs to get pre-approved.
That’s another issue since none of the over three dozen players did that…
“Had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was a direct violation of the gambling policy,” Joe Lockhart, the NFL’s executive VP for communications and public affairs told USA TODAY Sports. “No one sought pre-approval.”
A few of the other players who participated were Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills, 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, Raiders punter Marquette King and defensive end Mario Edwards, Patriots safety Patrick Chung and Cowboys receiver Lucky Whitehead.
“This is great exposure for all involved,” said Alan Brickman, co-owner of the California-based company who is putting the show together.
Brickman “funneled” half of the $100,000 first-place prize money… and the winner gets to donate it to a charity of their choice. Brickman also believes that this will give the people a chance, “to get to know the players behind the scenes” better.
In regards to getting the pre-approved “OK”, Brickman claims that he met with two different department heads in the NFL and tried to get a deal with the NFL to partner with him for the event.
He was never approved and the players involved will probably be fined for being a the casino.
VIA:USATODAY
