Betting On Player Arrests

Filed in archive NFL on May 7, 2008

© littlerottenrobin

Gambling is a dirty word in sports. It evokes cautionary tales of the 1919 Black Sox and Pete Rose. Betting is often frowned upon by the powers-that-be in public, and while some may truly despise gambling's place among sports, it certainly belongs. Especially in the NFL. Or did you think there was some other reason for the injury report to be released and then updated throughout the week?

That said, there are some very interesting bets to be had. Such as betting on NFL player arrests. BetUS.com listed odds on which team will have the next player arrested. And it probably will not shock you in the least that the favorite is the Cincinnati Bengals, who come in at 5-1 odds. Right behind the Bengals are the Atlanta Falcons at 8-1, and they just had linebacker Michael Boley arrested. In third come the Miami Dolphins, with 10-1 odds. At 15-1, Dallas, Philadelphia and Indianapolis are tied, and the Detroit Lions are at 18-1. All other teams are at least 20-1.

You can even bet on the crime that the next player will be arrested for. Drug possession is the leader at 2-1, followed by DUI at 3-1, and at 4-1 is either assault or firearm possession. If you're feeling really lucky, go ahead and put some coin down on tax evasion, which stands at 25-1.

And there are other bets that have to do with what happens off the field. For example, Bodog.com is taking a number of Cedric Benson-related wagers right now, such as if he will be cut by the Bears, if he will be suspended by the NFL and what the outcome of the case will be. Just so you know, you can make the most money by betting "No Punishment" at 6-1 odds.