A fantasy football-themed convention in Las Vegas organized by Cowboys QB Tony Romo "was canceled because of NFL concerns about its locale," according to Alex Marvez of FOXSPORTS.com. A source said that the league informed the NFLPA that the inaugural National Fantasy Football Convention slated for July 10-12 "would be in violation of NFL rules by being held at a casino property (the Sands Expo) even though there is no gambling at the center itself." A source said that punishment for participation in the event "would likely result in a fine but a suspension would be unlikely." A source connected with the event said that NFL reps "were calling players and even the parents of some players threatening that participants could be suspended." But an NFL spokesperson "denied that has happened." The event, which was "initially slated for the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, billed more than 100 former players and media personalities as appearing." Some of the "bigger names" include Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, Steelers WR Antonio Brown and RB Le'Veon Bell, Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles, Eagles RB DeMarco Murray and Packers RB Eddie Lacy. The event was "considered unique in that it would allow fans to mingle with players through autograph signings, question-and-answer sessions and fantasy drafts." The NFFC is "now planning to debut" July '16 in L.A. (FOXSPORTS.com, 6/5). A statement on the convention's website 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." ESPN DALLAS' Todd Archer noted for those who have registered for the '15 event, the NFFC "will offer refunds or a complimentary benefit package" for '16 (ESPNDALLAS.com, 6/5).
NO FUN LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN: THE MMQB's Peter King writes his "biggest problem" with the NFL getting in the way of the NFFC is that the NFL "has embraced fantasy football in a huge way." Virtually "every fantasy football league has a gambling component to it, whether you want to call it that or not." King: "It's harmless gambling, but it is gambling. And the NFL loves it. So much, in fact, the league has poured millions into producing its own fantasy football content." For the NFL to "deny Romo the right to hold a business venture in a ballroom at a hotel in Vegas where gambling happens is looking the other way on fantasy football, which is legal gambling, and preventing Romo from a business venture, which will not include gambling." King: "I think Romo should make a big stink over this" (MMQB.SI.com, 6/8). In Las Vegas, Ed Graney wrote, "The rule is stupid, the NFL is immersed in hypocrisy, and Roger Goodell just might be the most sanctimonious turd of a sports commissioner in history, which is saying something when you consider the list includes Bud Selig and Gary Bettman." Graney: "They have us, and they know it. No matter how many fantasy conventions they scrap." The "biggest surprise" that came from the event being canceled is that "anyone was the least bit surprised." Graney: "Hand it to those at the NFL. They’re hardly duplicitous in playing the role of hypocritical boobs." They "pretty much throw their fascist ways in our face, and we keep buying their tickets and jerseys and cable TV packages." The NFL "isn’t run by idiots." Graney: "Just narcissists. They understand gaming in Las Vegas is legal and regulated, but still choose to turn a blind eye to the industry that provides them the most support" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/7).
