Bryce Harper Calls Foul on FanDuel Ahead of of Home Run Derby Appearance
Bryce Harper entered Monday night’s Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park with more than just his swing under scrutiny. Days before stepping into the batter’s box in his hometown ballpark, the Phillies star found himself involved in chatter about a lawsuit against FanDuel. While initially it looked like Harper worked with FanDuel to provide a personalized video for a VIP player, he is swinging back against the allegations, and throwing FanDuel under the bus in the process. While Harper will focus on hitting home runs tonight, his legal team is swinging on the sportsbook instead.
Bryce Harper was mentioned in a gambling addiction lawsuit
Late last week, news that a Philadelphia-area man was suing FanDuel hit the mainstream media. The man, Terry Thompson, said he wagered more than $18 million, starting in 2020. Thompson’s lawsuit argues that marketing campaigns designed to keep him wagering led to a suffocating gambling addiction that ultimately caused foreclosure and nearly cost him his life.
Bryce Harper’s name came up in the lawsuit after Thompson noted that FanDuel enlisted Bryce Harper to send Thompson a 21-second video wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving. The video was reportedly one of several perks that the sportsbook’s VIP concierge used to entice Thompson to keep playing. He also received Super Bowl tickets and high-end champagne.
Bryce Harper speaks out against FanDuel
Harper initially didn’t speak on the topic, but now, as he headed into the Home Run Derby, he used Instagram to set the record straight. On his Instagram Stories, Harper said he had no idea the video was being used the way it was used. He went on to insist that he was approached via Cameo, where he sells personalized videos, much like other stars. He wrote, “I did not know this video would be used for commercial purposes. The request included a short script. I read it in good faith. FanDuel then put its own logo on the video and used it as a gambling promotion.” Harper lambasted the sportsbook, accusing it of not seeking his consent. He went on to insist he has absolutely no affiliation with the betting platform.
FanDuel has yet to comment on Harper’s statement. The company did issue a statement about the lawsuit. In it, a representative for the sportsbook said that FanDuel is “committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers.” The statement went on to claim employees were trained to spot and address problem gambling, though Thompson’s lawsuit suggests otherwise.
The Derby Goes On
Bryce Harper may have opted to share his statement about FanDuel via Instagram to clear his head ahead of the Home Run Derby. The event could be an important one for him. He’s competing in the Home Run Derby for the first time since winning in 2018, and he’ll do it in front of a home crowd at Citizens Bank Park. Harper has been having an outstanding season, with 20 home runs so far.
Whether Monday’s controversy follows Harper past the Derby remains to be seen, but as it stands, he seems to be done discussing it. Harper’s own statement stated that he was advised to no longer speak on the topic, indicating his legal team might be taking swings of its own while he’s at the plate. Could FanDuel face even bigger problems from him? We’ll have to wait and see.
