NFL investigating player participation in Las Vegas arm wrestling tournament
The NFL is investigating an arm wrestling event that took place at a Las Vegas casino featuring numerous current and former players.
The Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship, held April 5-9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, featured over 30 players with NFL ties. Current players are prohibited from making promotional appearances at casinos or gambling venues, and could face fines for doing so.
“Had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was in direct violation of the gambling policy,” NFL vice president of communications Joe Lockhart told Jarrett Bell of USA Today Sports. “No one sought pre-approval.”
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills, San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, and Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King were all involved in the event. Currently retired running back Marshawn Lynch was also involved.
If this is already an issue now, imagine what will happen when the league actually moves there full-time. One player may have a point in raising his concerns about that scenario.
