Bernie Kosar Playing for Cleveland Browns

Bernie Kosar Files Lawsuit Industry

Former Quarterback Takes Legal Action Over Betting Termination

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 01 July 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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It has recently been reported that Bernie Kosar, the former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has initiated a lawsuit against the digital media company BIGPLAY and its CEO, Kendall Myles. The move follows his dismissal from a Cleveland Browns pregame radio host position. According to the lawsuit, the former quarterback’s career and personal life have been affected as a result of the termination.

The controversy arose after a betting incident, which came to light after Ohio’s legalization of sports gambling. Officials said that the incident placed Kosar at the center of a legal and ethical debate within the professional sports industry. However, Kosar and his legal team have said that he was obligated to place the bet as part of his contract.

Kosar Claiming $850,000 for Breach of Contract

According to the court filings, Kosar is demanding $850,000 in damages. The lawsuit cites a breach of contract and claims that his termination was unjustified. It goes on to accuse Myles of verbal harassment, according to reports.

Kosar’s engagement with BIGPLAY allegedly involved a ceremonial bet of $19,000 on a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to the court papers, this was a requirement that Kosar claims was outlined in his contract with the company.

Despite clauses stating that Kosar would not be held financially liable nor entitled to potential winnings, the Browns decided to sever ties. They said that they felt this was necessary because of the NFL’s stringent anti-gambling regulations.

In a previous statement, the team said:

We understand what Bernie means to this community and our history. But as team contracted personnel hired to provide content on our media platforms his bet was a violation of NFL rules, and we must adhere to all NFL policy.

At the time, Kosar took to Twitter to express his feelings, stating that he felt shocked and disappointed by the decision.

According to the lawsuit, Kosar’s dismissal not only affected his role with BIGPLAY but also led to the loss of a lucrative $200,000 personal services contract with the Cleveland Browns. Kosar claims that he suffered considerable personal and financial repercussions and losses as a result of the alleged contractual mishandling and the fallout.

A Firm Stance on Gambling from the NFL

The NFL’s firm stance on gambling prohibits any involvement by its employees, a policy that directly impacted Kosar’s professional engagements. Despite the contractual safeguards in place, the league’s policy led to his dismissal from broadcasting roles with the Browns. This is a team with which he has maintained a close relationship since his retirement in 1996.

Legal representatives for BIGPLAY have denied the allegations of contract breach and verbal abuse, indicating that there could be a tough and drawn-out legal battle ahead.

Many believe that the lawsuit is set to become a focal point in discussions about the implications of legalized sports betting on professional sports careers. NBC Sports noted that Kosar’s case could set a precedent, influencing future contractual negotiations and employer guidelines in similar scenarios.