Lstandard NFL quarterback Drew Brees is going through something of a whirlwind after an ill-advised decision. First a video showing Brees being struck by lightning went viral with many believing it New Orleans Saints legend was lucky to be alive following the incident.
However, Brees himself confirmed in a subsequent video that the video was a publicity stunt for PointsBet USA, with the platform now offering “lightning bets” that will allow users to make in-game wagers.
“I would say this is probably one of the worst decisions he’s made as a public figure.” Patrick Rishe, director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis said after the clarification.
Brees incurs the wrath of Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International
The former quarterback also angered a not-for-profit called Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International (LSESSI), which is an organization that helps actual survivors of lightning strikes.
The organization laid into Brees stating that his actions are disrespectful to anyone who has actually gone through the ordeal.
“The recent Drew Brees lightning commercial is an inappropriate, disgusting method of promoting gambling or any TV commercial campaign,” an official statement from the LSESSI organization reads.
This is a deadly injury, and it is disappointing to see the continual ridicule of lightning and electrical injury survivors in a comical light in which it is presented for commercial gain and profit.
“To poke fun at these folks and make this injury trivial is unacceptable, and what example does it set for our children to learn?
“As a survivor, this is very disturbing, the thoughtlessness on the part of the participants who are trying to profit from tragedy is remarkable. Much progress through hard work and education has been made over the last twenty years to lower the lightning/electrical deaths and risk of injury through education and informed knowledge of the dangers.
“There are many groups working to educate the public and help survivors, this commercial nullifies all their work and encourages unsafe practices to the general public. And all for gambling … Lightning Bets? How ignorant can you possibly be?”
Brees is yet to address the backlash.
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