Those looking forward to the National Fantasy Football Convention in the middle of July were struck with some bad news, with the NFL canceling the event. The face of the NFFC event was Tony Romo, who tweeted, “I’m sad for the fans and players.” Over 100 players were expected to show at the event, including stars such as Rob Gronkowski, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, for autographs and Q&A sessions.
A statement found on the NFFC website stated, “This is a direct result of sudden and unexpected opposition taken by the NFL concerning player participation and their perceived association with gambling for an event in Las Vegas. While the NFFC was forced to back out, the smaller Fantasy Sports Combine is moving forward, even though players associated with the group who attend will more than likely be fined.
In an email statement to Fox Sports, an NFL Spokesman said, “Players and NFL personnel may not participate in promotional activities or other appearances at or in connection with events that are held at or sponsored by casinos.” The event, to be held at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Resort in mid-July will feature NFL players such as Michael Floyd, Brandon Marshall, Von Miller and Shane Vereen.
There has been a bit of a backlash by critics of the NFL with this particular action. Many feel the cancellation comes from the NFL linking casinos to a seedy reputation. The reputation is also seen as outdated, which is being seen by many as just one more way the NFL is not in touch with its fan base, or the times.
One issue arising from this cancellation is the NFL needing to look into other events being held at casinos, such as the Strikes for Kids charity bowling event, set to take place July 12 at The Palazzo. The event was set to feature a handful of NFL players, and will be looked at by the NFL.
Romo has not held back in his criticism of the NFL and how they handled the measure, either. “It’s just a very frustrating process that went down, when all they had to do was literally call me,” he said. Romo also said, “We’re just trying to get the fans to hang out with the players.” Romo pointed to hypocrisy as well, pointing out that the Detroit Lions have a partnership with the MGM Grand Detroit.
The American Gaming Association was not crazy about the reason for the cancellation of the convention.
“The NFL’s inconsistent policies against associations with casinos—a heavily regulated, Fortune 500 industry approved by 90 percent of Americans—reflects an outdated view of gaming,” said AGA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Rayme. “In fact, 27 NFL teams (all but five) are located in markets with legal, regulated casinos. Many of the stadiums are within close proximity to the casinos themselves creating a synergistic entertainment complex. It is only a matter of time before such thinking in organizations like the NFL evolves and acknowledges the reality that gaming, like professional sports, is a form of mainstream entertainment.
“Casino gaming is a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 millions jobs and serves as a valued community partner in 40 states. AGA members are proud of the partnerships they have with many professional sports teams as well as the role they serve in upholding the integrity of games. We look forward to continuing to educate the NFL about our industry and how our businesses are inextricably linked.”
