New York Mets Crosses to NFL Dark Side with Casino Sponsor
National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell has drawn a convoluted and contorted picture to explain why he leads a consortium of sports leagues campaigning against the Frank online casino bill while allowing teams to partner with state lotteries. But at least some of Goodell's associates don't understand the fine distinctions he has drawn anymore than league fans, as the New York Mets ignore the commissioner's public reasoning and partner with Harrah's Entertainment casinos.
Goodell said teaming up with lotteries contributes to state benefits, and it's a common form of gambling, and it kinda sorta isn't really gambling like the bad stuff.
"We have not crossed over the line to casinos.," Goodell stated. "We take a very strong view on trying to keep an arm’s distance from them."
But the New York Mets, which as a member of Major League Baseball joins the NFL in opposing the online gambling bill, either didn't get Goodell's memo, or more probably couldn't understand it. The team has signed with the world's largest casino operator, selling Harrah's promotional rights including the naming of the Caesar's Club at the new Citi Field stadium.
Harrah's will promote its nearby Atlantic City gaming venues, and will even host casino theme nights at the ballpark. Harrah's will have a presence at Mets minor league affiliates, and signage rights at the major league stadium.
Looks like Goodell, as the lead spokesman for sports in the fight to deny gambling rights, will have to put some spin on his spin, trying to find any way to say something other than that the league is for whatever pays them the most.
