It was a daring move for former Jaguars executive Amit Patel to embezzle over $20 million from the team for gambling purposes. Now, the Jaguars are taking an audacious step further by asking FanDuel to reimburse the stolen funds.
As per ESPN.com reports, ongoing discussions involve the Jaguars, FanDuel, and the NFL seeking a potential settlement. However, FanDuel maintains the stance that it received the money “fair and clear” and is not responsible for the situation.
Amit Patel, a midlevel finance manager, has pleaded guilty to stealing $22 million through a virtual credit card system the Jaguars used for expenses. Sources with knowledge of the case told ESPN that Patel lost about $20 million of the funds on daily fantasy and sports bets at FanDuel, which had assigned him a VIP host. He lost about $1 million on DraftKings, sources said.
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The Jaguars implemented a virtual credit card system that enabled Patel’s theft, making the notion of FanDuel repaying the money seem implausible. The team’s perspective may be rooted in leveraging the broader relationship with the NFL to compel FanDuel into compliance.
This situation underscores the NFL’s departure from the traditional “customer is always right” mentality, showcasing the league’s willingness to press partners for more benefits.
FanDuel’s steadfast response is commendable, considering that the Jaguars’ flawed system enabled Patel’s actions, demonstrating negligence on the team’s part. The broader issue could prompt reflection on the NFL’s role in facilitating gambling addiction, especially with the league’s increasing involvement in sports betting through exclusive sportsbook sponsorships.
Until such questions are addressed, the Jaguars’ attempt to reclaim $20 million from FanDuel appears more like a money-centric move than genuine concern for the consequences of addiction.
