The NFL can now, with a straight face, say it’s all about the kids.
According to the Associated Press, the NFL has agreed to stop marketing its fantasy football product to children under 13.
The league has pushed its NFL Rush Fantasy game on kids previously, even offering an elementary school curriculum to help promote the game which offered cash and video game prizes.
But anti-gambling and anti-commercialism groups have criticized the game, saying it could promote gambling and addictive behavior.
“We are pleased that the NFL has agreed to make these changes, and young children will no longer have a financial stake in the outcome of its games,” said Josh Golin, executive director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. “It is also good news for parents that the league will no longer enlist teachers and schools in an effort to get children into the habit of playing fantasy sports.”
The league has promised to discontinue the school programs, and not market to children aged 6-12 in their schools in the future.
Of course, dads are still encouraged to take part in all the league’s many fine offerings, since adults can do so responsibly. Obviously.
