Drew Brees Violated New Jersey's Gambling Regulations, Caused To Halt Bets On Citrus Bowl

In the midst of a coaching change, Purdue hired Drew Brees to help with their Citrus Bowl preparation. However, not everyone is pleased with the decision.

Because “some individual linked with the Purdue Football team” is in violation of state regulations, New Jersey gambling regulators ordered sportsbooks to stop taking bets on the Citrus Bowl and cancel any wagers placed since December 15, according to ESPN. According to reports, Brees is that individual.

Drew Brees Violated New Jersey’s Gambling Regulations, Caused To Halt Bets On Citrus Bowl

On December 15, Drew Brees was appointed by his alma mater as an assistant coach, a position that enables him to work closely with the players during practise and take part in recruiting. Former Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm was replaced by Ryan Walters, the defensive coordinator at Illinois, after Brohm left for Louisville.

Purdue QB coach Drew Brees on facing #LSU.

"Being a Saints fans is like being a Tigers fan. They are one in the same. (My family) are LSU fans. I love LSU. Except for Monday."

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 31, 2022

Drew Brees has been a brand ambassador for online bookmaker PointsBet and a broadcaster for NBC since his NFL retirement. Athletes, coaches, referees, and directors of sports regulating bodies are not allowed to have “any ownership interest in, control over, or otherwise be employed by an operator,” according to statute 5:12A-11 (f). New Jersey’s gambling officials claim the person violated this provision.

New Jersey gaming regulators ordered sportsbooks Friday to halt betting on the Citrus Bowl between Purdue and LSU because “an individual associated with the Purdue Football team” – Drew Brees – is in violation of state regulations, per @DavidPurdum.https://t.co/x804zYCQJT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2022

Brees began working for PointsBet in June 2021 and is said to have acquired stock in the business. When he joined Purdue, PointsBet announced it was ending his partnership agreement in a statement on Dec. 22, but crucially didn’t address the status of his partnership agreement.

The full statement:

“PointsBet would like to congratulate Drew Brees on his appointment as Interim Assistant Coach for the Purdue Boilermakers. 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.”

You don't need any help remembering this one.#OTD in 1998, @drewbrees led @BoilerFootball to victory in the final minute of the @valeroalamobowl. pic.twitter.com/8bYbMOYJXo

— Purdue On BTN (@PurdueOnBTN) December 29, 2022

After an unexpected Big Ten West title and a 43-22 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game, Purdue will take against LSU in the Citrus Bowl on January 2 and is a 14.5-point underdog.