Two Pittsburgh Steelers Back Out of Casino Grand Opening

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior and backup quarterback Charlie Batch have decided to distance themselves from a casino grand opening that they were originally listed as star guests for.

The two players back out after receiving news that the casino appearance could possibly violate NFL rules. Batch has even gone as far as saying he did not know his name was on the media release. Farrior has decided to stay in Orlando, Florida instead of appearing at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

“I wasn’t planning on doing any gambling there,” said Farrior. “I didn’t even think about it. After looking into it, I’m not going to do it. I don’t want any ripples with the NFL. (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell already said if you break the rules during the lockout, you will get in trouble when we come back.”

Batch added, “I had no intentions of going. You know to stay away from casinos and those kinds of things. You don’t play around with league rules like that.”

The NFL releases a document to players each year that reads: “The League has a long-standing policy against any advertising or promotional activities by players, clubs, coaches or other management personnel that can reasonably be perceived as constituting affiliation with or endorsement of gambling or gambling-related activities.

“All club employees, including coaches and players, are prohibited from being associated with such activities through endorsements, commercials, ads or public appearances. Violators will be subject to appropriate discipline. Promotional appearances by players, coaches, or other personnel involving casinos, sports books, gambling cruises, or similar activities are not permitted.”

It was a smart move by the duo to stay away from any potential controversy. Gambling and professional sports creates a dynamic that does not always leave a good taste in the mouths of it’s fans.