It would be an amazing marketing coup for 888 Poker in New Jersey—though a highly unlikely one—if New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks accepts an ,000 payment to the charity of his choice to change his name to 888.com.
Yes, the company hopes Nicks—who wears 88 for the Giants—will legally change his name to 888.com and create a billboard jersey on the field.
“We’re excited that 888.com is up and running in New Jersey,” said Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888 Holdings. “As we consider 888 to be the premier gaming site in the Garden State, we thought it was appropriate to align ourselves with other area notables.
“We couldn’t think of a more fitting local athlete than Big Blue’s very own number 88, Hakeem Nicks.” Mattingley said. “We are also aware that Hakeem’s contract is up, so we hope that he sees this as a gesture to stay and as an opportunity to benefit a local charity that he supports.”
Nice try or silly try? You decide.
It’s widely being reported that Nicks, a free agent, is unlikely to sign with the Giants next season. Plus, $88,000 would barely cover the fines Nicks has reportedly earned at camp and in practice this year.
If Nicks, who will likely make more than $ 6 million a year on a new contract, wants to donate $88,000 to a charity, he could find and easier way then changing the name on all his legal documents.
Not to mention, that all NFL wide receivers wear numbers in the 80s—as well as in the teens sometimes—and there are 88s on almost every team. They may play in New Jersey, but they are the New York Giants.
So we don’t see it, but hey, 888 Poker got us to write this story.
