One year ago today, the NFL and NBA joined a coalition of sports leagues in the United States Supreme Court, arguing that sports betting is a pernicious threat to the very existence of the sports leagues, basically.
Of course the leagues weren’t being sincere in the case, Murphy v. NCAA. They were simply fighting against a law they had always fought, but ultimately the court’s decision sent the 1992 federal ban on full-fledged sports betting outside Nevada to its proper resting place — in the dumpster. Now the leagues are cutting deal after deal after deal, monetizing as best they can an accepted, “adult” activity, as ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt has described sports betting.
We blame the leagues for their long-running hypocrisy, but not for pulling the 180. Sports are entertainment and business is business. That said, to see high-profile, Hall-of-Fame athletes on hand to place ceremonial first bets at new legal sportsbook launches in New Jersey, Mississippi and West Virginia… well, it’s still a bit hard process, considering the federal ban held fast from October 1992 to May of 2018.
Here’s a look at five prominent former athletes to place ceremonial wagers at sportsbook ribbon-cuttings:
1. Julius Erving (Dr. J): The Borgata Race & Sportsbook, Atlantic City, NJ
The Bet: The NBA Hall of Fame former Nets and Sixers star put $5 on the Eagles to win Super Bowl LIII.
Wager Placed: June 14, 2018.
Status: Not looking so good.
2. Harry Carson: DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
The Bet: New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker put $10 on the Yankees to win 2019 World Series (8-1).
Wager Placed: November 20, 2018.
Status: Will be better if the Yanks sign Patrick Corbin.
3. Joe Theismann: Hollywood Casino’s The SportsBook, Charles Town Races, WV
The Bet: The Washington Redskins Hall of Fame QB was the most ambitious former athlete/ceremonial bettor — taking three NFL positions (for what looks like $100 each). According to The Journal:
Naturally, he placed a bet on the Washington Redskins to beat the Arizona Cardinals next week. He also went homer by picking the Baltimore Ravens to defeat the Buffalo Bills.
He went off the board, so to speak, in placing a bet on the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the Super Bowl.
“I think they were real close a year ago, and they’re a better football team this year,” Theismann said. “The AFC’s not as wide open as the NFC.”
Wagers Placed: Sept. 1, 2018.
Status: In NFL Week 1 when he made the wagers, the Ravens … searches for adjective… defeated the Bills 47-3, andthe Redskins rolled over Arizona 24-6. Moneyline and spread bet wins for both. Nice start for Theismann, but those Jags might be better off with him under center.
4. Willis McGahee: ‘Sports Book & Bar’ at The Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Miss.
The Bet: Per GulfLive.com, McGahee was asked to make the first NFL prop bets at the MGM-owned property.
He obliged, picking the Cleveland Browns to go over 5.5 wins and the Buffalo Bills to go over 6. Asked if he might put a wager on his beloved Hurricanes, he said “Of course. The ACC is all ours.” Amounts of the wagers were not made public.
Wagers Placed: August 1, 2018.
Status: Both NFL bets are in so-so shape. Credit McGahee for his willingness to support some ugly ducklings. He ought to be hoping for a push on Buffalo and stands a decent chance to cash on the Browns over. Cleveland hosts Carolina on Sunday as a 1.5-point home underdog, then visits Denver, hosts Cincinnati and finishes the season on the road at Baltimore. McGahee needs two W’s.
5. DeAngelo Williams: The Book at Horseshoe Tunica, Tunica, Miss.
The Bet: The former Memphis Tiger and Carolina Panthers running back placed a bet on “his favorite team.” We’re guessing that’s Memphis but info on the bet isn’t readily accessible.
Wager Placed: August 13, 2018.
Status: Win or lose, Williams got to hang out with N’SYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick at the ribbon cutting. Don’t act like you don’t know the lyrics.