Goodell states NFL’s case on gambling

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Congress should enact uniform standards for any states that plan to legislate sports betting.

Goodell detailed the league’s position in a statement Monday that reiterated the NFL’s stance that legalized sports gambling in the United States should be governed by federal law rather than state law. The Supreme Court ruled last week to strike down a 1992 law that barred most state-authorized sports gambling.

In suggesting four core principles that should be maintained for any form of legalized sports betting, Goodell stressed that leagues can “protect our content and intellectual property from those who attempt to steal or misuse it.” He also said guidelines must provide substantial consumer protections; ensure fans will have access to official, reliable league data; and that law enforcement will have the resources, monitoring and enforcement tools necessary “to protect our fans and penalize bad actors here at home and abroad.”

After emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of his sport, Goodell noted the NFL has been planning for the potential of legalized sports gambling in states other than Nevada.

“(We) are prepared to address these changes in a thoughtful and comprehensive way, including substantial education and compliance trainings for our clubs, players, employees and partners,” he said.

The NFL has long opposed any forms of gambling on its games, though it has approved the move of the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas in 2020, and has strong ties to fantasy football.

Bills cut Incognito: Richie Incognito’s playing days might not be over after all.

The veteran guard is free to resume his career after the Buffalo Bills released him from their reserve/retired list on Monday.

The Bills did not provide a reason for the decision to release Incognito.

Raiders sign Nelson: The Oakland Raiders signed fourth-round pick Nick Nelson to a rookie contract.

The cornerback was drafted 110th overall. He played two seasons at Hawaii before playing his final college season at Wisconsin.

Nelson led the nation and set a school record with 21 passes defensed last season for the Badgers.