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Claiming it wants no association with Gambling, the NFL Network abruptly pulled the Harvey Weinstein produced “Rich Eisen Thanksgiving Special” just hours before the scheduled airing.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s office issued a statement saying that "The segment was pulled because the movie included content related to gambling on NFL games."
Robert De Niro plays a bookie in the film, which was being heavily promoted leading into the planned Thanksgiving broadcast.
The NFL is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the state of New Jersey over its intentions to begin licensing sports betting businesses.
The Statement of Undisputed Material Facts submitted by New Jersey in support of their Motion for Summary Judgment in its PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) suit.
“Seems like a lot of redaction to protect the leagues, but there is enough there to demonstrate the leagues' weak hand,” noted Joe Brennan, Jr., who runs The Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association, a trade organization assisting New Jersey with the legal action. "The NFL, et al, appeared to offer contempt rather than evidence when they were deposed by NJ counsel."
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
