New Jersey gaming regulators ‘force stoppage on all bets between Purdue vs. LSU’

Sportsbooks have been ordered to halt all bets on the Citrus Bowl between Purdue and LSU Monday by New Jersey gaming regulators. 

According to an ESPN report, the directive arrived Friday due to a contravention of state regulations because of an ‘individual associated with the Purdue Football Team.’

Per the report, Drew Brees’ position on the Purdue staff, an assistant coach for the bowl game, is the specified individual due to an ambassadorial role with PointsBet sportsbook. 

Under the instruction of the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, sportsbooks were reportedly told to stop taking bets on the game and said bets placed on, or after, December 15 – the date Brees joined the program –  must be voided.

Drew Brees became an ambassador for PointsBet in June 2021, reportedly receiving equity

Brees became an assistant coach ahead of the bowl game and was officially named to the interim position in mid-December. The former New Orleans Saints quarterback attended Purdue before embarking on an illustrious NFL career. 

‘I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl,’ Brees said in a statement at the time. 

‘I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program.

‘The future is bright, and there is no better time to be a Boilermaker!’ 

Though the sportsbook ended its partnership with the Super Bowl QB on December 22, 2021

He was handed an equity stake in PointsBet when he began as an ambassador in June 2021. He held the position until a week following his appointment at Purdue. 

On December 22, PointsBet announced it was ceasing its relationship with the generational former quarterback. 

‘PointsBet would like to congratulate Drew Brees on his appointment as Interim Assistant Coach for the Purdue Boilermakers,’ the sportsbook said in a statement at the time. 

It came a week after Brees was announced as an interim assistant coach at Purdue on Dec. 15

‘While this is an exciting next step in his career, after careful review, we have decided to end our ambassador partnership agreement with Drew. 

‘Regulatory and legal compliance, responsible gaming practices, and the integrity of legal sports betting are top priorities for our organization and this decision will allow us to uphold that commitment. 

‘We wish Drew all the best as he returns home to his alma mater.’