ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter is arguably the most notable man for any and everything that goes on around the league. However, his latest move is raising eyebrows as it could potentially be a conflict of interest.
Schefter has now become business partners with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in a gambling company called Boom Entertainment, which makes sports and casino gambling apps. Sopan Deb notes for Bloomberg that the partnership could potentially play a factor in his reporting if he has money riding on games.
“Adam Schefter’s stock in trade are football scoops such as new contracts, trades, injuries, starting line-ups and the other gossipy stuff that gives viewers a sense of who’s up or down, and who might win or lose. That information is also valuable to gamblers — or anyone who might own, say, a sizeable stake in a newfangled gambling company interested in digital sports betting.
Viewers, and Schefter’s 8.5 million Twitter followers, might end up wondering whether he will shade his opinions or bury important information if he directly or indirectly has money riding on games and athletes. It gives a whole new meaning to “NFL Insider,” but ESPN seems unconcerned.”
O’Brien asked ESPN if the network had a conflicts of interest policy outlining “ethically acceptable investments for its employees,” like Schefter’s investment in Boom Entertainment. The Worldwide leader in sports declined to address it.
