We'll get to the NFL's hypocrisy in a moment, but first the news: A fantasy football convention organized by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been canceled due to pressure from the league.
Why, you ask? The NFL has embraced fantasy football, and Romo is one of the league's headline players. Because it was in evil old Las Vegas, that's why. Specifically, it was on the grounds of a casino. Not actually at a casino, mind you, but at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, which is connected to The Venetian casino.
The event was supposed to take place June 10-12, and according to Fox Sports' story on the event, players like Rob Gronkowski, Jamaal Charles, Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and other big names were supposed to take part and hang out with fans. The NFL informed the NFLPA that "the inaugural National Fantasy Football Convention slated for July 10 to 12 in Las Vegas would be in violation of NFL rules by being held at a casino property," Fox Sports reported. At gonffc.com, the organizers said, "This is a direct result of sudden and unexpected opposition taken by the NFL concerning player participation and their perceived association with gambling for an event in Las Vegas."
In other words, man this is stupid.
"Players and NFL personnel may not participate in promotional activities or other appearances at or in connection with events that are held at or sponsored by casinos," an NFL spokesman said in an email statement to Fox Sports.
The event has already been rescheduled for 2016, but in Los Angeles next year. The NFFC said those who registered this year will get a full refund or "a significant complementary benefit package" for next year's event.
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