The union representing NFL players says it wants further changes to the league’s policy for legal sports betting and otherwise — but exactly what those tweaks should be remains unclear.
Agents reportedly received a memo from the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) on Monday regarding the recent update to the league's gambling policy.
The update tweaked the NFL’s approach to disciplining players for gambling-related infractions, such as using online sports betting sites at a team facility. It also underscored the NFL, with its growing ties to the gambling world, is hellbent on deterring any behavior that could undermine or appear to undermine the integrity of games.
"We got them to move on some 'common sense' points, but they haven't moved all the way," the NFLPA said in its memo earlier this week. "These changes reflect a positive move and we will continue to push them on other items in the next several weeks and months."
The NFLPA sent this memo to agents regarding the updated gambling policy, saying the NFL moved on some “common sense” points but more changes are needed. “These changes reflect a positive move and we will continue to push them on other items in the next several weeks and months.” pic.twitter.com/jnFrKKXmL7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2023
The “items” of interest to the NFLPA were not disclosed in the memo. However, the message does note that the "biggest change" in the updated gambling policy is reducing the minimum punishment for players who gamble on non-NFL games at a team facility to two games from six. The union also highlighted that three players suspended earlier this year for that issue had their suspensions reduced.
"As you know, this policy is not collectively bargained, but is instead issued by the league pursuant to the Commissioners [sic] authority regarding matters relating to conduct detrimental," the memo added.
It's all about the game
The communique from the player union shows an appetite for additional adjustments to the NFL’s gambling policy, even if it does not specify exactly what. It’s clear, though, that the issue will remain a live one, especially as the NFL shows no sign of reverting to its previous anti-gambling stance and as wagering opportunities grow across North America.
A spokesperson for the NFLPA directed Covers to the joint statement released last week by the union and league following the announcement of the updated gambling policy and acknowledged the memo sent out Monday, but said they have no further comment at this time.
“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game,” the two entities said. “The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment.”
