DraftKings Apologizes for Controversial 9/11-Themed Promotion

DraftKings Inc. issued a formal apology on Monday after facing backlash for a 9/11-themed sports-betting promotion. The controversial wager was designed to attract users to bet on baseball and football games on the anniversary of the tragic 2001 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people in the U.S.

In their apology statement, DraftKings expressed sincere regret for featuring the parlay briefly as a tribute to 9/11. The company acknowledged the significance of this day for the nation and especially for the families directly affected by the tragedy.

The promotion, titled "Never Forget," required users to bet on three New York-based teams — the Yankees, Mets, and Jets — to win their games on Monday, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

DraftKings, a prominent sports-betting operator in the U.S., refrained from disclosing the number of bets placed as a result of the promotion. It remains unclear whether these bets will be honored or canceled.

Bret Eagleson, who tragically lost his father, Bruce, in the World Trade Center attack, heads an organization called 9/11 Justice that supports families and first responders affected by the event. Eagleson criticized DraftKings' betting promotion as "tone-deaf," echoing the sentiments of many who found the campaign insensitive and inappropriate given the solemn nature of the day.

DraftKings' public apology indicates an acknowledgement of these concerns and a commitment to learning from their mistake.

Remembering 9/11: Honoring Lives Lost and Reflecting on the Impact

22 years have passed since the tragic events of 9/11, a national tragedy that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and forever altered the course of history. The hijacked plane attacks targeted iconic locations, including New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Flight 93, which tragically crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The aftermath of these attacks had a profound impact on U.S. foreign and national security policies, shaping the world we live in today.

In addition to the lives lost on that fateful day, the long-term consequences of the 9/11 attacks have been far-reaching. Over 71,000 individuals have been diagnosed with physical or mental health conditions resulting from exposure to dust, smoke, debris, and the traumatic experiences of that day. These numbers highlight the lasting toll that such a tragedy can inflict on survivors and their families.

On this solemn occasion, political figures from across the country gathered in New York City to pay their respects at a 9/11 memorial ceremony. Vice President Kamala Harris, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and New York Mayor Eric Adams were among those who attended. President Joe Biden is also planning to commemorate this day of remembrance later this evening at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska. For those who wish to witness his speech, it will be available for live streaming on the White House's official YouTube channel.

Let us remember this day with solemnity and honor the lives lost. May it serve as a reminder to strive for accountability, justice, and closure, rather than exploiting such a tragedy for personal gain. Together, we can continue to heal and build a brighter future.

~ The Associated Press (Contributed) ~