A conflict of interest is arising at ESPN as the network prohibits insiders such as Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski, along with other reporters, from participating in betting on the sports they cover. This decision is in anticipation of the launch of ESPN’s new betting app, ‘ESPNBet,’ and aims to prevent any potential conflicts of interest, as reported by Michael McCarthy of FrontOfficeSports.
Attention Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski: You’re not allowed to wager on the leagues you cover via the new ESPN BET.
With ESPN officially entering the sports betting market on Tuesday, the company has been working closely to determine who can and can’t use the new betting app among its 5,000 employees.
In preparation for the app’s debut, ESPN distributed guidelines to its 5,000 employees, specifically addressing the use of the new betting platform. Insiders and reporters have been explicitly advised against engaging in wagers related to the sports and leagues they report on. The objective is to avoid any misuse of confidential information, particularly information that insiders may possess, for betting purposes.
RELATED: Fake Adam Schefter Tweet Detailing Colts’ Suspension Goes Viral
This prohibition encompasses insider insights into player injuries and details about officials, players, coaches, or management. The ban extends to preventing someone else from placing bets on behalf of ESPN employees. All ESPN staff members are barred from placing bets on any games they are specifically assigned to cover or work on.
ESPN is making it unequivocal that engaging in any form of illegal betting is strictly forbidden, emphasizing the importance of employees exercising caution in the types of bets they choose to place.
The potential consequences for individuals who defy these guidelines are not specified, but ESPN’s foray into the betting business is undeniably viewed as a challenging and complex venture.
