DraftKings Apologizes After Offering September 11-Themed Sports Bet Parlay‘Never Forget’ Parlay Pulled After Social Media Backlash |
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While many Americans spend Sept. 11 in remembrance of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York, one sports betting company instead faced backlash for opting to commemorate the day of mourning with a sports bet.
DraftKings, a Boston-based daily fantasy and sports betting company, was left to apologize for promoting a “Never Forget” parlay on their sportsbook app. The bet featuring three New York teams was pulled after sparking outrage on social media.
“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11,” DraftKings noted. “We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”
Criticism For DraftKings
Using 9/11 to promote sports betting obviously didn’t sit well with many around the country.
Brett Eagleson lost his father Bruce in the 2001 attacks. He now operates a families and first responders organization called 9/11 Justice and told the Associated Press that the promotion was “tone-deaf.”
“It is shameful to use the national tragedy of 9/11 to promote a business,” he said. “We need accountability, justice and closure, not self-interest and shameless promotion.”
The New York State Gaming Commission agreed, with a representative saying, “This was reprehensible. We expect all licensees to exercise sensitivity.”
I cannot believe this is real.@DraftKings has a 9/11 themed featured bet today, called Never Forget.
Brands, do us a favor, take the day off. pic.twitter.com/YrBoTgZhMW— Jack Appleby (@jappleby) September 11, 2023
More Details On The Parlay
The New York Jets, who played on Monday Night Football, were featured in the DraftKings wager along with the New York Yankees and Mets.
Sports fans tuning into the broadcast witnessed a deeply patriotic observation of 9/11 as the Jets hosted the Buffalo Bills that included the participation of military and first responders, honoring the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives.
New Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers led his team onto the field waving an American flag before sustaining a season-ending injury just minutes into the game.
Some observers couldn’t believe that the idea for the promotion even made it to the marketing stage at all.
“Fire your entire marketing team, guys,” sports and political commentator Clay Travis posted on Twitter. “They’re imbeciles.”
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