The criticism continues to roll in for Drew Brees and PointsBet Sportsbook, after the two teamed up for a strange and rather tasteless promo that involved the former NFL quarterback getting struck by fake lightning.
When the video of the lightning strike was release on Friday, many didn’t know what to believe. Did Brees really get struck by lightning out in Venezuela? Was he okay? Did he die?
As everyone scrambled for answers, Pointsbet released a statement saying they had heard about the incident and were gathering information.
Then, moments later, they released a video of Brees informing his fans that he’s alright while also promoting PointsBet’s “lightning bets.”
Needless to say, many people were not amused. Among them was the Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International organization, which helps victims of such incidents.
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The organization was deeply disturbed by the commercial. In an effort to voice their displeasure, they released a lengthy statement to TMZ which scolds Brees and PointsBet for their insensitive promo:
Via TMZ:
“The recent Drew Brees lightning commercial is an inappropriate, disgusting method of promoting gambling or any TV commercial campaign,” a statement from LSESSI says.
“This is a deadly injury, and it is disappointing to see the continual ridicule of lightning and electrical injury survivors in comical light in which it is presented for commercial gain and profit.
“To poke fun at these folks and make this injury trivial is unacceptable, and what example does it set for our children to learn?
“As a survivor, this is very disturbing, the thoughtlessness on the part of the participants who are trying to profit from tragedy is remarkable. Much progress through hard work and education has been made over the last twenty years to lower the lightning/electrical deaths and risk of injury through education and informed knowledge of the dangers.”
The reality of the situation is that Brees and PointsBet probably thought they had some cool, unique gimmick set up that could go viral, get a good laugh of two, and help them promote their lightning bets.
It’s doubtful that anyone throughout the process stopped to think of those who could be negatively impacted by their stunt, but they’re find out who those people are now.
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