BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Former LSU teammates Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels embarked on a friendly $10,000 bet over who would be named the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year. However, their wager came to an abrupt end after they were informed about the NFL’s strict stance on gambling.
Nabers, who was selected as the sixth overall pick by the Giants, disclosed that he has gained a deeper understanding of sports gambling regulations. Both Nabers and Daniels, who was picked second overall by the Commanders, mutually decided to cancel the bet despite now being division rivals in the NFC East.
While it remains unclear who provided the gambling education to Nabers, it is noted that reviewing league policies is a standard part of the rookie minicamp for all NFL newcomers. The league emphasizes the importance of adhering to gambling guidelines, underscoring the potential consequences that even seemingly innocuous bets can carry.
Although a potential loophole in the rule could have allowed Nabers and Daniels to proceed with their bet prior to being drafted, the duo opted to err on the side of caution by disbanding the wager. This incident sheds light on the complexities surrounding gambling within professional sports, emphasizing the necessity for players to be well-versed in league regulations.
The NFL’s evolving stance on legalized gambling as a means to boost fan engagement underscores the need for increased player awareness regarding the boundaries set by the league. Nabers and Daniels’ experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of educating players on the nuances of sports gambling to prevent inadvertent violations that could jeopardize their careers.