Gambling History Goes Back Decades

Despite a flurry of new suspensions, the NFL maintained consistency on punishing betting players. Why are people surprised?

During the last two seasons, the NFL suspended ten players for violating the league’s policy on gambling. Yet, people still raise eyebrows and seem taken aback when the punishment falls upon a player. Additionally, the length of the suspension remains consistent. For sixty years, the league handed out severe consequences. However, people are shocked and surprised about when the folks on Park Avenue deal with this specific type of infraction.

The First Two

In 1963, after hearing rumors that were confirmed by evidence, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle suspended Detroit Lions DL Alex Karras and Green Bay Packers standout Paul Hornung. To those old enough to constantly groan while standing from a chair, Karras portrayed the father on the 80s sitcom Webster. Before that, he terrorized offenses while establishing a Hall of Fame career in Detroit. Meanwhile, Hornung, the golden boy, the Packers star, also sat due to gambling. Back then, the league didn’t care about star power. As a result, the league both sat down for a full year, regardless of blowback or complaint. By handing out such harsh penalties out the gate, the league established a precedent that continued sixty years later.

Ballad Of Art Schlichter

So, why does the league use a heavy hand with gambling infractions? Two words: Art Schlichter. Back in 1982, the Colts selected Schlichter fourth overall, ahead of Jim McMahon and Marcus Allen. During his days at Ohio State, Schlichter became a gambling addict. By the time his second year rolled around, Schlichter incurred a million dollars in gambling debt. From golfing to betting on football. Schlichter’s problems overshadowed anything he did on the field. Where this affects today is this: As a quarterback, Schlichter could directly affect the outcome of games. If a player owes money to the wrong people, those folks could lean on them to fix, even throw games. The league fears that a desperate player will need to satisfy their debtors. As a result, you continue to see draconian measures taken.

Hypocrisy

Granted, the NFL, in the midst of the furor over gambling, is not blameless. In fact, critics possess a justified issue. In April 2021, the league announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings and FanDuel, By creating a sportsbook with known gambling entities, the league profits off games that their players cannot. In the same way a parent says ” do as I say, not as I do”, Park Avenue proudly takes this stance, supported by team owners. Where is the NFLPA in all of this? Nowhere. Regardless of who runs that union, it will forever be the weakest union in America.

Future

Will NFL players stop gambling? Of course not. You cannot really tell a grown man with that much cash on hand, what to do with their money. At the same time, players will probably become much smarter about how they bet. That is to say, a series of backchannels will exist that will continue to see the money flow. With this is mind, will the punishments increase. In all honesty, yes. Despite their best efforts to curtail third-party gambling, the NFL and its players will continue to have these issues. However, Park Avenue will always prevail here based on the fact of contending with a weak union. Under those circumstances, get ready for more suspensions.