Even in Arm Wrestling, James Harrison Runs Afoul of NFL
It may be the offseason, but the Steelers linebacker is still finding ways to attract the attention of league brass.
So much for “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison recently coached a team of NFL players in the inaugural “Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship” at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.
Harrison led one of the two teams competing in a variety of arm wrestling competitions. The event will be broadcast over two weekends in late May on CBS.
Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey also was among nearly three dozen NFL players who participated, according to USA Today.
The NFL reportedly is launching an investigation and says that players who participated without getting prior clearance from the league are in violation of the league’s gambling policy, which prohibits promotion of a casino in any capacity.
The current players who participated in the arm wrestling event at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino violated @NFL policy & will be fined, per source
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2017
Alan Brickman, co-owner of the company putting on the Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship, told USA Today Sports that all gambling machines near the taping were turned off, and that no shots of gambling activities or alcohol were used.
It’s also worth noting that a portion of the event’s prize money goes to a charity of the winner’s choice.
But of course, for Steelers fans, James Harrison facing potential fines from the NFL is about as common as road construction in Pittsburgh.
