ESPN's Rece Davis walks back 'risk-free investment' comment on sports gambling segment

2025-04-20 01:45:35 source: category:Stocks

As the line between sports analysis and sports gambling content continues to blur, ESPN finds itself in a tricky gray area, especially with the recent launch of ESPN Bet, the network's own sports betting platform.

ESPN host Rece Davis on Sunday offered a clarification for a comment he made earlier on "College GameDay" during a conversation with ESPN Bet analyst Erin Dolan.

Davis contended that "most recognized my comment was tongue-in-cheek" when he said Dolan's advice to bet the under on Northwestern's point total in its upcoming men's basketball tournament game against Connecticut was "a risk-free investment."

"Obviously, there are risks," Davis wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Though I’m not a gambler, I strongly encourage those who do partake, do so with prudence, care, caution, fiscal and personal responsibility and never over-extend."

The timing of Davis' remark was unfortunate, coming on the heels of a brewing scandal in Major League Baseball over alleged illegal gambling activities by superstar Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter.

Predictably, Davis faced a barrage of criticism on social media shortly after the segment aired, with one commenter pointing out that even sports betting companies in many states aren't allowed to use the term "risk-free" in their ads anymore.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Hi Hi!Const

Suzanne Collins Volunteers As Tribute To Deliver Another Hunger Games Novel

The odds are certainly in Hunger Games fans' favor. Suzanne Collins has written another prequel to h

Georgia appeals court temporarily halts Trump's 2020 election case in Fulton County

Washington — The Georgia Court of Appeals temporarily halted proceedings in the 2020 election case i