Drew Brees, a Drew Brees-affiliated sportsbook in New Jersey, has made Citrus Bowl betting possible
Let’s get real. New Jersey sports bettors were thunderstruck on Friday when state regulators pulled odds for the upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup between the LSU Tigers and Purdue Boilermakers, citing a violation from “an individual associated with the Purdue Football team,” per ESPN’s David Purdum.
Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints lightning rod should be the focus of this controversy. The electrifying future Hall of Fame quarterback stepped in to give his alma mater a jolt amid turnover on the coaching staff, with several of Purdue’s top playmakers bolting for the NFL draft. That includes their starting quarterback, so Brees’ presence should give them a nice surge for this matchup. His joining Purdue’s coaching staff on a temporary basis was announced on Dec. 15.
Unfortunately for the betting public, Purdum reports that Brees’ business relationship with the sportsbook PointBet violates state regulations. Brees, a New Jersey-based businessman, partnered with Brees in 2021 to secure a lucrative endorsement deal. Brees also received an equity share in the gaming company. It is quite clear that Brees has a conflict of interest by promoting a sportsbook and being involved in a team playing in a sport featured on sportsbooks. Brees was featured in a recent article. poorly-thought-out promotional stunt for PointsBet In which a hoax video showed him being struck by lightning in South America.
A week after Brees’ hiring by Purdue was announced, PointsBet issued a statement on Dec. 22 Their relationship with Brees was over due to him joining the Purdue coaching staff.
“PointsBet would like to congratulate Drew Brees on his appointment as Interim Assistant Coach for the Purdue Boilermakers. Drew’s next career step is exciting, but after careful review, we have decided not to renew our ambassador partnership agreement. Our top priorities are regulatory and legal compliance and responsible gaming practices. This will allow us to keep that commitment. We wish Drew all the best as he returns home to his alma mater”
That departure apparently wasn’t enough to satisfy the New Jersey gaming division, though, so now the Purdue-LSU Citrus Bowl is off-limits. Kickoff is scheduled Monday, Jan. 2.
Liste
Breaking down the final Week 17 Saints injury report vs. Eagles
