In a bid to address the growing concerns surrounding the influence of sports betting on professional football, the National Football League (NFL) has made in-person training on its gambling policy mandatory for all players this season. A senior league official revealed on Thursday that the NFL believes it has adequately addressed the controversy sparked by a $10,000 bet made between Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers over the prestigious offensive rookie of the year honors.

Daniels and Nabers, former college teammates at LSU, made headlines earlier this year when they publicly disclosed their wager. However, the league swiftly intervened and rescinded the bet. Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, confirmed in a video news conference that both players received multiple education training sessions on the NFL's gambling policy to ensure their understanding and compliance.

The NFL has recognized the need for enhanced education on sports betting for its players, given the increasing number of states legalizing sports gambling. Thus, the league made it mandatory for all players to receive in-person training on the gambling policy this season. Training sessions were conducted by league representatives at teams' facilities during offseason minicamps and training camps this summer.

Sabrina Perel, the NFL's chief compliance officer, highlighted the benefits of in-person training, such as increased engagement and awareness, along with the opportunity for players to clarify any doubts through direct interaction. The league updated its training content and enlisted prominent former NFL players as presenters to further emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game amidst the new challenges posed by widespread sports betting.

According to Miller, over 17,000 individuals, including players, coaches, team and league staff, and even game officials, underwent the NFL's training on its gambling policy. The league aims to combat the impact of legalized sports betting on the integrity of the game and has taken disciplinary measures against approximately 25 team or league employees, including suspensions and terminations.

The NFL revised its penalties associated with the gambling policy in a communication sent to teams, players, and the NFL Players Association on September 29. Under the modified policy, any player found betting on an NFL game faces an indefinite suspension of at least one year, which increases to at least two years if the player bets on games involving their own team. Engaging in "actual or attempted game fixing" leads to a permanent ban from the NFL.

However, the revised policy decreased the suspension for players betting legally on other sports while in an NFL workplace. A first-time offender in such cases now faces a two-game suspension without pay, down from the previous six-game suspension. A second offense incurs a six-game suspension, while a third offense results in a suspension of at least one year.

Cathy L. Lanier, the NFL's chief security officer, emphasized the league's proactive approach to monitor compliance with the gambling policy. The NFL collaborates with third-party monitoring services, sports betting partners, and employs analysts in its command center. Furthermore, each NFL team is assigned an integrity representative, typically a retired FBI agent or executive-level police officer, to ensure adherence to the policy.

Lanier also revealed an alarming increase in aggressive threats directed towards players, coaches, and officials, which, in some cases, stem from losses incurred through sports betting. The NFL's security staff takes these threats seriously and now has the authority to impose a leaguewide ban on offenders, working closely with law enforcement agencies to assess potential criminal implications.

To further emphasize their commitment to addressing gambling-related issues, the NFL has extended their partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling. The three-year grant worth $6.4 million will allow the league to continue supporting initiatives aimed at addressing gambling addiction and promoting responsible betting practices.

As the NFL navigates the evolving landscape of legalized sports betting, the league remains dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of the game and providing extensive education and training to its players and staff. With enhanced measures in place, the NFL strives to maintain the trust of fans while prioritizing the integrity and fairness of football competitions.