NFL Quarterback Backpedals after Saying He Is a “Gambling Man”

Dak Prescott from the Dallas Cowboys has quickly clarified an earlier statement in which he described himself as a “gambling man.” While the quarterback only wished to express his situation ahead of the expiration of his current contract, he soon came to realize that his comment may be misinterpreted by some people.

Prescott made the controversial statement during talks about the next NFL season and the athlete’s future with the Cowboys. The quarterback’s $160 million deal with the Dallas team was signed in 2021 and is set to expire in 2025, potentially leaving him as a free agent unless he renegotiates a contract.

Prescott explained that he feels somewhat pressured but has been in this position before. Describing himself as a “gambling man,” the athlete said that he would always gamble on himself and his guys.

While Prescott certainly didn’t mean his comment to be taken literally, he quickly acknowledged its potential implications and corrected himself. Admitting that the recent gambling scandals have shaken the professional sports scene, the quarterback was quick to point out that he didn’t mean he was actually gambling.

His latter comment sparked laughter, suggesting that no one took what he said too seriously.

Professional Athletes Should Not Wager on Sports

For context, professional athletes are usually prohibited from betting on their sports and sometimes from betting as a whole. The NFL in particular has stringent rules on gambling and has previously suspended players over wagering-related offenses.

The league recently reinstated five players who were previously suspended over similar violations. These included the Washington Commanders’ edge Shaka Toney and the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Rashod Berry, as well as three ex-Detroit Lions players, including wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety CJ Moore and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor.

A few days later, the NFL also reinstated Isaiah Rodgers, a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles who had previously placed over 100 wagers on NFL games, including ones on his own team. However, Rodgers’ lawyers argued that none of the bets were too serious or supposed to be “life-changing.”