An old quote from Roger Goodell on NFL gambling has aged very poorly, with the league’s commissioner set to discuss the possibility of allowing bookmakers into stadiums with team owners this week.
The NFL has welcomed the practice now that it’s being legalized across the United States and is taking full advantage, having signed sponsorship deals with certain sportsbooks to the tune of millions of dollars.
It’s now unlikely that you’ll watch an NFL game without seeing at least one gambling advert; it’s pretty normal. But that wasn’t always the case as the NFL took a strong stance against wagering on sports just a few years ago.
Now that gambling might actually make its way into NFL stadiums, a quote Goodell made in 2016 is going viral.
The quote, which was tweeted by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport back then, reads:
“We remain very much opposed to gambling on sports. We want to make sure we’re doing what’s right for the game.”
A lot has changed since 2016, especially given the new legislation as it pertains to gambling in America. But, even considering the above, the statement from Goodell seems downright ridiculous in 2023. And fans are having a real go at him over it.
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While fans might have many issues with Goodell, NFL owners don’t. The 64-year-old is expected to receive a contract extension which should see him keep his post as commissioner for at least another four years.
