Sports betting firm DraftKings apologized Monday for exploiting the anniversary of 9/11 by encouraging customers to put wagers on Latest York sports teams for a special every day trifecta.
The Boston-based company offered bettors a 9/11-themed pitch that required three Latest York-based teams — the Yankees, Mets and Jets — to win their games Monday, the twenty second anniversary of the terrorist attacks killed nearly 3,000 people at Manhattan’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a plane crash in Pennsylvania.
“It’s greed. These individuals are greedy,” fumed Tom Von Essen, who was the Latest York City fire commissioner when 343 of his firefighters perished while trying to save lots of lives after the hijackers rammed planes into the 2 World Trade Center towers, causing the collapse of the 2 behemoth buildings.
“It’s insensitive and excessive,” Von Essen said of DraftKings’ 9/11 pitch. “It’s something we don’t need on 9/11. But I understand greed.”
After an outcry on social media from other people also offended by the parlay, titled “Never Forget,” DraftKings took the offer down and apologized.
“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the importance of this present day for our country and particularly for the families of those that were directly affected,” DraftKings said in a press release.
DraftKings apologizes for exploiting 9/11 anniversary with NY-themed bets.
Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen through the Saturday Night Live “9/11 Tribute” on September 29, 2001.NBCUniversal via Getty Images
The “Never Forget” parlay urge customers to “bet these Latest York teams to win tonight on 9/11” — the Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankee vs. the Boston Red Sox and the Jets vs. the Buffalo Bills.
Each the Jets are Bills are considered Latest York teams, though the Jets play their home games across the Hudson in Latest Jersey.
