(theathletic.com)

Let’s set aside the end result here, and focus on the principle. I find it abhorrent that the business of college football, and all sports really, has the audacity to punish players for gambling.

DraftKings exists. FanDuel exists. The newcomer BetMGM exists. These are “sports books”, as they call them, so as to avoid the “bad” word: gambling. But let’s be real, they are nothing more than gambling hubs. And they have the same “Play responsibly” bullshit tag lines that alcohol manufacturers adsvertise use with their ads. It’s ridiculous in that context, and it’s ridiculous in this one.

That’s not even mentioning the way that every media outlet out there, including the television broadcast you’re watching the fucking game on, is benefitting from their existence and usage. It’s about money. That’s it. That’s the list.

It’s seemingly fine for Joe Public Gambler, but not these guys. Because they’re supposed to be better than everyone else? STFU.

I’m so angry at this type of hypocrisy, I can hardly put it into words.

Side note: I agree with punishments for betting on games these guys are playing in, or have inside knowledge of. But betting on other games? Nope.