The NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) will work with Epic Risk Management and the GVC Foundation in order to create a problem gambling awareness and education program for former NFL players.
The NFLPA came to a two-year agreement with Epic and the GVC Foundation, which will create the content for the sessions. The sessions will be available to all NFLPA members and “will be tailored to meet the mental health needs of former NFL players”.
Amani Toomer, former New York Giants wide receiver and trustee of the GVC Foundation, said the sessions were important as many former athletes have problems with their gambling habits.
“Professional athletes are highly susceptible to problematic gambling behavior,” Toomer said. “Educating these former players on how to gamble responsibly and act with integrity is a crucial step forward for all sports.”
Andre Collins, executive director of the NFLPA professional athletes foundation, urged other leagues to introduce similar programs.
“This is the first program that the NFLPA has ever run on problem gambling education and awareness,” Collins said. “As the first major professional sports league in the U.S. to undertake this project, we’re proud to tackle this issue head-on.
“We urge all sports leagues to address problem gambling with the seriousness it deserves.”