NFL players throw their money into many different businesses with the hopes of recouping a large profit. Over two dozen current and former players allegedly invested their money in a gambling operation set to open later this month in Alabama.
The player invested in Center Stage, formerly Country Crossings. The latter's developer, Ronnie Gilley, has leaded guilty to bribery charges stemming from an electronic bingo bill that was drafted in the state Senate. The bill would have authorized voters to decide the gaming issue in Alabama.
The NFL players, some of who are said to have invested upwards of $7 million in the renovation project, could be in jeopardy of losing more than just their money. The league is looking into whether the players broke NFL rules by being associated with a gaming operation.
The casino that will house electronic bingo machines, is only a small part of the facility. Also included in the complex will be shops, restaurants, festival space, and a water park. The issue of whether the casino portion of the facility will even be legal is being questioned by many, including the attorney general in Alabama.
AG Luther Strange has issued a strong directive to the gaming community that he will be keeping a close eye on any gaming halls that open. The AG has eliminated former Governor Robert Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling, but that does not mean he is open to the idea of gaming halls re-opening with illegal gambling machines.
The players could face fines and suspensions should NFL officials find them to be in violation of the league's rules on gambling. With the future of the gaming facility in doubt, and a return on their investment possibly years away, and suspensions or fines would be an additional penalty for the players that have invested in Center Stage.
"If it were to be determined that an NFL employee had made an investment in violation of league policy on gambling-related activities, that individual would be directed to withdraw the investment and it would be reviewed for potential discipline," said NFL Spokesman Greg Aiello, as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Among the players who are said to be involved in the investment are Santana Moss, Terrell Owens, Santonio Holmes, Adalius Thomas, and Gerald Warren.
June 17, 2011
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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