In case you missed it over the weekend, nearly three dozen players were in Las Vegas for an arm wrestling competition—and some pretty big names, too. They included Steelers linebacker James Harrison (coach), retired-for-now running back Marshawn Lynch (coach), Dolphins receiving phenom Kenny Stills, 49ers beast of a linebacker Navorro Bowman, and even Raiders punter Marquette King—hmmm, wonder if he can use his leg?
Yeah, well even if you missed it, I will tell you who did not: Roger Goodell and the NFL.
Because now it turns out, the gamblers aren’t the only ones that will be leaving the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino with a little less money to show for it as it appears that the NFL players will be fined for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Yeah, one of the gazillion things the NFL rules prohibit active players from making doing is making promotional appearances at casinos or gambling venues.
“Had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was in direct violation of the gambling policy,” explains NFL VP of communications Joe Lockhart . “No one sought pre-approval.”
Wow—seems like the NFL is about to start addressing things like this on a weekly basis—considering the Oakland Raiders are about to change their address to Vegas.