Report: 25 NFL players could be involved in gambling investment

A big investigation could snare as many as 25 NFL players for breaking league policy and investing in a gaming operation in Alabama.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports breaks a story that involves marquee players such as Terrell Owens, Santonio Holmes, Santana Moss and Adalius Thomas.

NFL rules specifically prohibit league employees from associating with gambling entities, in this case a proposed bingo outfit. The NFL players as a group have invested approximately $20 million into a project near Dothan, Ala., according to Cole. Boxer Floyd Mayweather is also involved and is working to receive his money back.

“If it were to be determined that an NFL employee had made an investment in violation of league policy on gambling-related activities, that individual would be directed to withdraw the investment and it would be reviewed for potential discipline,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told Cole.

Per the report, retired players such as Jevon Kearse and Cornelius Griffin are also involved. The project is being investigated for fraud, so it’s a potentially damaging to the current players on multiple fronts. Players involved in gambling enterprises could face fines, suspensions or both.

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley unknowingly had ads for a Las Vegas hotel and casino and online sportsbook on his personal Web site in 2009. The NFL swiftly ordered him to no longer have ads from those companies on his site.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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