NFL Probes Player Participation In Vegas Arm Wrestling Event

The National Football League is probing an arm wrestling event over the weekend at the MGM Grand that attracted dozens of current and former players, in apparent violation of the league's gambling policy, a league spokesman told Patch.

"We became aware of the event as it was underway and will look into it further," said Brian McCarthy. "This is a longstanding policy.

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"Participating players face a fine pending a review."

While the league recently approved a proposal by the Oakland Raiders to move to Vegas, league policy prohibits players from participating in events at casinos.

According to the player manual, which McCarthy says is distributed to all players:

"NFL Personnel are prohibited from engaging in any advertising or promotional activities that reasonably can be perceived as constituting affiliation with or endorsement of gambling or gambling-related activities including, without limitation, the following:

(1) Making promotional appearances at casinos or other gambling-related establishments;

(2) Making promotional appearances at events that are sponsored by or otherwise marketed

or advertised in connection with casinos or other gambling-related establishments;

(3) Using or allowing others to use one’s name and/or image to promote, advertise, or

publicize casinos, other gambling-related establishments, or events sponsored by or

otherwise marketed or advertised in connection with casinos or other gambling-related establishments."

The event - The Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship - took place from Wednesday through Sunday and was recorded for airing on CBS over the last weekend in May and first weekend in June.

A portion of the prize money will go to charities selected by the players.

League Executive Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Joe Lockhart told USA Today - which first reported on the investigation that "had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was in direct violation of the gambling policy.

"No one sought pre-approval."

Among the current players who participated were: SF 49ers linebacker NaVarro Bowman, Patriots safety Patrick Chung, two members of the Raiders - defensive end Mario Edwards and punter Marquette King, two members of the Steelers - center Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker James Harrison - and Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills.

Retired Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch also participated.