Lamar Jackson attacks NFL bettors who criticize passing win over Bills

Legalizing sports betting has always been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it is a revenue driver that allows states to create a taxable base and leagues to generate additional interest in their games. On the other hand, it is a volatile market and a potentially addictive product that shifts focus from the profits and losses that really matter.

The latter is something Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had to contend with after their Week 4 primetime win over the Buffalo Bills. The Ravens overran the newly rebuilt Buffalo defense and racked up 271 rushing yards in a dominant 35-10 victory. Of course, that also meant that Jackson's passing yards fell short of that prop bet total on a night where he only threw 18 times.

So fans took to social media to let him know about it. Jackson responded to return fire, reminding them that he only cares about one thing on the court and it's not their parlays.

This is a “TEAM” sport. I'm not happy out here throwing for 300 yards but taking an L. If I throw 50 yards and we WIN, that's awesome. Stop leaving comments about the YDS-Yall fan duel on our social networks, otherwise the parlays will not be successful 👎🏾

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) September 30, 2024

This is a “TEAM” sport. I'm not happy out here throwing for 300 yards but taking an L. If I throw 50 yards and we WIN, that's awesome. Stop leaving comments on our social networks about the Yds-Yall fan duel or parlays not being hit (thumbs-down emoji)

Jackson is the latest football star to complain about the criticism he's received on social media from disgruntled (and occasionally delusional) bettors. Auburn quarterback Peyton Thorne said Losers contacted him on Venmo to demand money after he threw four interceptions against Cal earlier this month.

This is delusional behavior that goes a step beyond tweeting recruits at a time when athletes are more accessible than ever. Of course, Jackson and every other NFL quarterback don't care about your betting slips. They have a job to do and perpetuate a stereotype – that it doesn't matter how well they play, all that matters is winning.

The Ravens earned one on Sunday night by getting the ball out as quickly as possible. If that wasn't a solution, that's not Baltimore's problem. Complaining about it, especially to people who had nothing to do with the line or the decision to place the bet, is stupid behavior.