Is sports betting morally wrong for sports writers?

I cover preps with maybe 1-2 NFL games a year (wouldn't bet on those individual games), but love to bet college football and NFL typically. Is it wrong to bet on games if you're a sports writer?

 

Yes.

 

Fuck that noise, f_t.

I don't cover NFL or college football. I've never covered college basketball. Betting on those isn't a problem.

Now, betting on the prep sports I cover ... that may be a little different. That said, it hasn't stopped me yet.

 

No.

 

You've got a bookie who takes action on high school games!?!

The only time it's acceptable to bet on an event you're covering is when you're covering horse racing. (And I admit I can see why many here have a problem with that.)

 

If you don't think you can be objective because you lost $20, you ought to go find something else to do for a living.

 

What a perfect name for this thread.

 

No. No. No.

f_t: This is about LEAVING PEOPLE ALONE.

NYT has an interesting policy re its horseracing writers (Joe Drape, et al) . . . they aren't allowed to play the game.

This is hysterical . . . but there you are.

 

If it is wrong, I don't want to be right.
My state publishes a line on every high school football game.
You don't have a direct influence on the game you cover, so what difference does it make if you do a little gambling?

 

Who says I'm not the bookie?

 

I sure wouldn't, especially on something I cover.
Do you think the people covering the presidential campaign are wagering on it?

I think the appearance of impropriety is pretty clear.

 

Journalists are supposed to avoid anything that either is or appears to be a conflict of interest. In my opinion, that includes betting on sports.