Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar was relieved of his duties as a Browns radio personality Sunday due to a bet he placed on the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kosar bet $19,000 on a Browns win in a ceremonial first bet shortly after legal betting went live in Ohio on New Year’s Day. He was planning to donate the winnings to charity. However, the bet was in violation of the NFL’s gambling policy.
NFL rules prohibit team personnel from betting on games. Kosar announced his ousting in a tweet shortly before kickoff. The team later confirmed in a statement the reason.
Steelers GameDay yet once again I was informed by the Browns that my services are no longer desired or needed. I will not be doing todays radio program.I am shocked & disappointed 😢Brown & Orange is my life 🏈 #UMatter https://t.co/a834Gs3FSU @BernieKosarShow Go #Browns
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) January 8, 2023
#Browns statement on Bernie Kosar: pic.twitter.com/fn4GEtLjVf
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 8, 2023
Kosar, who played nine years for the Browns from 1985-93, wasn’t exactly trying to keep the bet a secret. There was video of the ceremonial first bet, and his show’s Twitter account tweeted about it.
It’s hard to imagine he would have placed the bet or publicly broadcasted it had he been aware of the rules. Either way, ignorance isn’t usually a good defense for breaking rules.
