Legendary quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is lending his support to the NFL’s campaign to deter players from gambling on sports. According to media reports, Brady has recorded an educational video message aimed at raising awareness about the league’s anti-gambling policies and emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. The video will be shown to all 32 NFL teams during their upcoming minicamp and training camp sessions.
The decision to involve Brady in delivering this message is significant, given his legendary stature in the NFL. The move comes as the league faces an increase in betting-related incidents among players. Just recently, the NFL launched an investigation into Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who allegedly placed approximately 100 wagers on football games using online betting sites registered under an associate’s name.
This incident, along with previous cases involving players from the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, among other teams, has underscored the need for proactive measures to address the issue. In the video, Brady not only speaks about the NFL’s gambling policy but also shares his own experiences in the league, highlighting the significance of fair play and the potential risks associated with wagering on NFL games.
The NFL’s decision to partner with Brady reflects a broader trend in sports, where governing bodies are taking stronger actions to combat unlawful gambling activities among athletes. In 2022 alone, sports data provider Sportradar reported detecting 1,212 suspicious matches across 12 different sports. This has prompted various organizations, including MLS and college athletic programs, to implement strict measures and enforce suspensions for individuals involved in illegal betting practices.
It’s important to note that despite the occasional incidents, Sportradar’s data reveals that the overwhelming majority of sporting events, over 99.5%, remain untainted by match-fixing.
