The controversy centers on a 21-second personalized video message recorded by Harper, which FanDuel subsequently branded with its logo and delivered to Terry Thompson, a user who had wagered $18.5 million on the platform.
The Origin of the Video
Harper addressed the situation via his verified Instagram account, explaining that he had joined the messaging platform Cameo to engage with fans through paid videos. According to Harper, the request for the video included a short script that he read in good faith. “I did not know this video would be used for commercial purposes,” Harper wrote. “FanDuel then put its own logo on the video and used it as a gambling promotion. I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.” While Harper maintained he had no affiliation with the sportsbook, the video shows him addressing Thompson and his son by name, referencing a request from a VIP manager identified as “your host Bryttanni at FanDuel.” Harper noted that he would not have produced the content had he been aware of the company’s intent or the personal circumstances of the recipient.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The video surfaced amidst ongoing legal scrutiny regarding sportsbook practices. Terry Thompson is currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in March in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court against FanDuel and DraftKings. The lawsuit alleges that the companies enabled his gambling addiction through promotional offers and gifts. According to the suit, Thompson lost $1.5 million, leading to the foreclosure of his home and a period of hospitalization for a gambling addiction disorder. The lawsuit claims that Thompson’s VIP host, identified in reports as Bryttani Morgan, provided luxury incentives—including Super Bowl tickets and hotel accommodations—to encourage continued betting. While the Harper video is not specifically cited in the active lawsuit, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed on Friday that it is reviewing the incident. A spokesperson for the board, Doug Harbach, declined to provide further details regarding the scope of the investigation.
Industry Standards and Athlete Involvement
The incident has sparked broader discussions regarding the intersection of professional sports and the gambling industry. Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, leagues have entered into lucrative partnerships with sportsbook companies. However, this has created a complex environment for active athletes. Industry experts noted that while Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement permits players to appear in advertisements for gambling companies—provided they do not encourage betting on baseball—the use of an active player to engage directly with a VIP bettor is highly unusual. Danny Funt, a researcher who studied VIP programs for his book *Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling*, noted that while retired athletes sometimes work with sportsbooks, he had never before seen an active player or former MVP record a personal message for a high-volume VIP customer.
FanDuel’s Response
FanDuel has not publicly addressed the specific allegations regarding the Harper video. In a general statement provided last week, the company emphasized its commitment to responsible gaming. “FanDuel is committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers,” a company spokesperson said. “Unlike illegal offshore sportsbooks, FanDuel employees are trained to recognize and flag signs of problem gambling and offer resources and tools, and we continue to review and strengthen our policies to ensure we have the industry’s strongest consumer protection initiatives.” As of Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies and Major League Baseball had declined to comment on the matter. Harper, through his statement, indicated that on the advice of counsel, he would not provide further public comment.
Update (July 13, 2026)
According to nbcsports.com, Harper further clarified the timeline of the incident, stating the request was submitted in November 2024. He also released a screenshot of the original Cameo order instructions, which read: "Hey Terry. Your host Bryttanni (Britt-knee) from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special, so I just wanted to hop on and wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell Max (son) I said hello!"
Harper reiterated that he had no knowledge of any alleged partnership between Cameo and FanDuel and stated he would not have produced the video had he known about the recipient's situation. The report notes that Harper has retained legal counsel regarding the matter, which may allow him to decline further comment during the upcoming All-Star Game festivities in Philadelphia.
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