The legalization of sports betting was always a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a revenue driver from which states can create a taxable base and leagues can drum up additional interest in their games. On the other, it’s a volatile marketplace and potentially addictive product that shifts focus from the wins and losses that actually matter.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was left to deal with the latter after Week 4’s primetime win over the Buffalo Bills. The Ravens ran all over a rebuilt Buffalo defense, racking up 271 rushing yards in a dominant 35-10 victory. Of course, that also meant Jackson’s passing yards fell short of this prop bet total on a night where he threw just 18 times.
So fans took to social media to let him know. Jackson responded to return fire, reminding them he only cares about one thing on the field and it’s not their parlays.
This is a “TEAM” sport I’m not out here satisfied when I threw for 300yds but took a L. If I throw for 50 yds and we WIN, that’s wtf matters. Yall stop commenting on our socials about the yds yall fan duel or parlays ain’t hit 👎🏾
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) September 30, 2024
This is a “TEAM” sport I’m not out here satisfied when I threw for 300yds but took a L. If I throw for 50 yds and we WIN, that’s wtf matters. Yall stop commenting on our socials about the yds yall fan duel or parlays ain’t hit [thumbs down emoji]
Jackson is the latest football star to complain about the criticism he fields on social media from annoyed (and occasionally delusional) bettors. Auburn quarterback Peyton Thorne said losers reached out to him on Venmo to request cash after his four-interception performance against Cal earlier this month.
This is delusional behavior, a step beyond tweeting at recruits in an era where athletes are more accessible than ever. Of course Jackson, and every other NFL quarterback, doesn’t care about your bet slips. They’ve got one job to do and one cliche to uphold — that it doesn’t matter how well they play, all that matters is the win.
On Sunday night, the Ravens earned one by running the hell out of the ball. If that didn’t fulfill a parlay, that’s not Baltimore’s problem. Complaining about it, especially to guys who had nothing to do with the line or the decision to place the bet, is doofus behavior.
