Before the NFL announced the suspension of Arizona Cardinals defensive back Josh Shaw through at least the 2020 season due to gambling, they sent out a memo to all teams reaffirming that any employee found gambling on football would be terminated, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The NFL had previously made teams aware of their stance. However, with the Shaw suspension in mind, they decided to remind those that it is strictly prohibited. Betting on football is one of the 10 restrictions on legal betting that the NFL laid out in their gambling policy.
“All NFL Personnel are prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating any bet, whether directly or indirectly through a third-party, on any NFL game, practice or other event,” the policy states, via Schefter. “This includes betting on game outcome, statistics, score, performance of any individual participant, or any other kind of ‘proposition bet' on which wagering is offered.”
In the case of Shaw, the NFL did not uncover any evidence that found the Cardinals defender using insider information to make the bets, per Schefter. His team, coaches and other players around the NFL did not know that he was being investigated. Due to the Cardinals facing Shaw on the injured reserve early on into the year, they were unaware of the investigation.
Suspensions in the NFL for gambling are rare. However, with the boom of sports gambling going on as we speak, the league is bound to get more strict and watch a bit closer on those potentially violating terms.
Follow Us
Subscribe