Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints
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Legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees faked being struck by lightning as a part of a promotional stunt for betting firm PointsBet.
A video clip posted to Twitter on Friday confirmed Brees filming a business for PointsBet in Catatumbo, Venezuela, a location identified for its lightning strikes, when a bolt apparently hits him and knocks the manufacturing off kilter.
It was seen greater than 1 million instances as of noon Friday.
Brees confirmed in a subsequent video that he is completely nice and “buzzing” in regards to the sportsbook’s newest provide involving its “lightning bets,” which permit customers to make in-game wagers.
The stunt comes as on-line sportsbooks acquire recognition and battle for purchasers.
“Well it’s certainly a shock, literally and figuratively,” mentioned Patrick Rishe, director of the sports activities business program at Washington University in St. Louis. “I would say this is probably one of the worst decisions he’s made as a public figure.”
Rishe mentioned it is clear PointsBet tried to do one thing extraordinary to get consideration within the on-line sports activities betting market, which is dominated by DraftKings and FanDuel, “but boy, this really feels like it’s crossing the line.”
A consultant for Brees didn’t reply for remark. Brees is an envoy for PointsBet, which trades on the Australian Stock Exchange and has operations within the United States, Canada and Ireland.