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Tom Brady has come out of retirement — to tell his former peers not to wager on NFL games as the league grapples with the latest in a series of sports betting violations involving active players.
As Colorado’s 9 News first reported, Brady has recorded a video message that will be mandatory viewing for all NFL players during training camp. In the video, Brady reportedly talks about how playing in the NFL is a cherished privilege, and that betting on NFL games hurts the league’s integrity.
When asked by Sports Handle for a copy of the video, an NFL spokesperson declined the request, explaining, “Tom intended for this to be a player-to-player message.”
Brady’s message comes on the heels of news Sports Handle broke this week in which it was revealed that an Indianapolis Colts player, later identified as defensive back and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers, Sr., bet on several NFL games — some allegedly involving the Colts — through an account opened by an acquaintance, a clear violation of league policy.
Seven suspended since PASPA repeal
Since the Supreme Court’s PASPA decision in 2018, seven NFL players have been suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. At least five — former Cardinals defensive back Josh Shaw, then-Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, former Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, former Lions safety C.J. Moore, and Commanders defensive lineman Shaka Toney — have been suspended for betting on NFL games.
While getting perhaps the greatest player in NFL history to talk about responsible gambling in front of all players indicates the seriousness with which the situation is being handled, some critics took to social media to accuse the NFL of selecting an imperfect messenger, citing Brady’s involvement in the Deflategate scandal and public support of the disgraced cryptocurrency platform FTX.
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