NFL Players Barred From Charity Poker Tournaments

When the Phil Hellmuth-hosted “Raise Your Hand for Africa” charity poker tournament came calling, more than 30 NFL players answered, intending to help raise money for the Starkey Hearing Foundation. But an edict from the commissioner’s office meant that none of them were able to play in the event – and that we’re unlikely to see other football stars helping out at charity poker events anytime soon.

According to reports, the NFL players were informed that the league would not make an exception to their hard line rules against gambling for players, even though the tournament was entirely for charity. While the NFL has not made an official declaration or press release on the matter, it would be consistent with the policy the league has long held against allowing players to gamble in any form, as well as Commission Roger Goodell’s hard line policies on player behavior.

Many prominent NFL stars were slated to participate in the tournament, which took place at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas on February 19. Some of the biggest names included Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Peterson, who were joining celebrities from other walks of life including actors, comedians, and other athletes. While the NFL players were not allowed to play in the tournament, they were allowed to attend the event, helping to raise funds away from the tables.

The tournament had an entry fee of $2,000, which also included access to a VIP reception and a post-tournament party. While the celebrities were the big draw for the weekend, the tournament was open to the public as well. The main event is expected to be televised during the current season’s coverage of the Heartland Poker Tour.

More information on the Starkey Hearing Foundation can be found at their website, starkeyhearingfoundation.org. The foundation was created in 1984, and has worked for the past 27 years to promote hearing health and awareness. The Starkey Hearing Foundation delivers over 50,000 hearing aids each year in numerous countries around the world to those in need.