- Key Takeaway One: Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels, former LSU teammates, initially placed a $10K bet on who would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year title but later called it off.
- Key Takeaway Two: The bet was withdrawn after both players learned more about the NFL's strict gambling policy, emphasizing the importance of adhering to league rules.
- Key Takeaway Three: The decision to cancel the bet highlights the rookies' commitment to their NFL careers and their understanding of the potential legal implications of such actions.
In the whirlwind of NFL news, a story that has been capturing headlines involves New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former LSU teammates found themselves in the spotlight not for their on-field performances but for their off-field wager. They bet a cool $10,000 on who would snag the Offensive Rookie of the Year title. However, in a turn of events that echoes the maturity and foresight not always attributed to rookies, Nabers and Daniels decided to call off their bet.
Sports journalist Ari Meirov spotlighted this development on his official Twitter account, sharing a clip from the "All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson" podcast. Nabers, the 2023 unanimous All-American winner, explained the reason behind retracting the bet, stating, "He said it’s because he’s learned more about the NFL’s gambling policy." This revelation was further reinforced by an ESPN report on May 10, which cited a statement from Malik, acknowledging a deeper understanding of the NFL's gambling rules both he and Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, gained, leading to the withdrawal of their bet.
In a display of transparency, at a press conference, Nabers revealed, "I am now educated on the NFL’s gambling policy. We called off the $10K bet for rookie of the year." Similarly, after signing his contract and attending the rookie minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, Daniels, selected sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Commanders, echoed Nabers's sentiment. Both players expressed their desire to steer clear of any potential trouble that could jeopardize their burgeoning NFL careers.
The NFL's gambling policy is clear-cut, prohibiting players from betting on league games, practices, or other events, either directly or through a third party. The consequences for violating this policy are severe, ranging from a two-game suspension for first-time offenders to an indefinite suspension for more severe or repeated violations. This stringent stance underscores the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Nabers and Daniels's decision to cancel their bet, while perhaps disappointing to fans of friendly sports wagers, demonstrates a level of responsibility and awareness that bodes well for their futures in the NFL. As Nabers put it, the bet was merely a way for "another brother pushing another brother to try to get to success." In the end, their choice to focus on their careers and adhere to the NFL's policies may be the wisest bet they've made yet.
