Bernie Kosar, Ex-NFL Quarterback, Slaps BIGPLAY Media with Lawsuit Over Funny Bet Gone Wrong
Sports Broadcaster Kosar Files Lawsuit Against Podcasting Enterprise Over Alleged Sports Wagering Comments
Bernie Kosar, a beloved NFL alumnus, well-known for his stint with the Cleveland Browns, has decided to take legal action against a sports media company, BIGPLAY Media, and its CEO, Kendall Myers, following a humorous bet that led to his dismissal from the Browns.
Originally the spark behind three AFC Championship appearances with the Browns, Kosar's career tragically ended after an incident involving a wager on a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although at heart, this bet served as a friendly nod to his old number, 19, it ultimately landed him hot water due to NFL's gambling policy that strictly prohibits team employees from betting on league events.
In the lawsuit filed at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, Kosar argues that BIGPLAY and Myers breached their contract with him and wrongfully terminated his contract. He demands a whopping $850,000 in damages.
The New Year's Charity Wager
In 1989, Kosar led the Browns all the way to three AFC Championship appearances, falling repeatedly to the rival Denver Broncos. The game that still haunts Browns fans the most is the infamous "The Fumble" at Mile High Stadium, where Earnest Byner turned the ball over on the Broncos' 2-yard line, securing a heartbreaking win for Denver. However, Kosar is still cherished by the Browns faithful for his heroic playoff performances, setting records for consecutive games with at least three touchdown passes and passing yards in a single playoff game.
In the 2022-2023 season, after a disheartening 7-9 finish, the Browns closed their campaign against their AFC North arch-rivals, the Steelers. Tragically, Kosar's ceremonial bet lost, as the Browns suffered a defeat by the Steelers with a score of 28-14.
The Charity Bet Turns Sour
The agreement between Kosar and BIGPLAY, specified in the suit, stipulated that Kosar would place the $19,000 wager at a New Year's Eve charity event. The timings were strategic, as legal Ohio sports betting made its debut on the very first day of 2023. However, against the agreement, Myers and co-manager David McAllester forced Kosar to personally place the bet, according to the suit.
Kosar signed a contract with BIGPLAY LLC on December 30, 2022, to appear on podcasts and at selected events. His role included hosting the Bernie Kosar Show at least once a month during the 2023 offseason.
Accounts claim that Kosar brought up his commitments during Cleveland Browns game days with Myles. The suit alleges that Myles attempted to alter the terms of the agreement during their meeting. Just over two weeks later, Kosar received a written notice terminating the agreement for cause.
In response, an attorney for BIGPLAY and Myles stated, "The claims of wrongdoing in the complaint filed by Mr. Kosar are false, and we look forward to the opportunity to defend our clients in court. Otherwise, our policy is not to comment further on pending litigation."
Separately, Kosar was let go from the team's pregame radio broadcast in 2023 due to the violation of the league's gambling policy.
As things stand, the case Kosar vs. BIGPLAY, LLC, ET AL will be tried before Judge Timothy Clary, with the suit seeking punitive damages and attorney's fees in excess of $25,000.
This legal tangle highlights the complicated dynamics between personalities in the media business and the repercussions of trivial activities in the public eye. Regardless of the case's outcome, it's sure to draw widespread attention in the football community. Follow along for updates as court documents become publicly available.
- Bernie Kosar, after placing a sports-betting wager on an NFL game as part of a charity event, alleges in his lawsuit that BIGPLAY Media and its CEO, Kendall Myers, breached their contract with him and forced him to break the bet against his agreement, potentially leading to his dismissal from the Cleveland Browns.
- In the lawsuit, Kosar contends that he had arranged with BIGPLAY Media to place a $19,000 wager on the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which coincided with the beginning of legal sports betting in Ohio on New Year's Day.
- Despite the agreement, Kosar claims that BIGPLAY Media's co-manager, David McAllester, and CEO, Kendall Myers, demanded that he personally place the bet, which may have violated NFL's gambling policy and led to his termination from his position with the Browns and the Cleveland Browns pregame radio broadcast.
