Jets vs. Patriots in the First Game After 9/11/2001 | The New York JetsCredit: C/O

A 9/11-themed betting parlay put forth by the betting site, DraftKings, was lambasted by the public for using the tragedy as a promotion. It featured teams that were in action that represented cities that were attacked by terrorists on that fateful day.

In what can only be described as one of the most shortsighted marketing decisions ever, the sportsbook agency offered bettors the chance to wager on a three-game parlay involving New York teams on the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The tasteless advertisement called “NEVER FORGET” promised potential gamblers parlay payoff if “these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11.”

The teams involved were the New York Mets, the New York Yankees, and the New York Jets. The payout offered was $651 for bettors who wager $100 on all three teams winning.

It was a misguided way to attempt to tie their ‘deal’ with one of the most tragic events in American history, an event that still shapes our world today. Given the gravity of it all? The public found no pleasure – or humor – in DraftKing’s stunt at all, and the company was forced to pull the promo and apologize for their insensitivity.

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In a statement to the Boston Globe, DraftKings said it regrets the decision.

“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11,” it stated. “We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”

On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. The terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse. A third hijacked aircraft collided with the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers rebelled against their captors. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more on a day when the world seemed to come to a stop.

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By Ryan Boman
Ryan Boman is the author of the 2023 book, 'Pop Music & Peanut Butter', and a sportswriter whose previous ... More about Ryan Boman
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