Bernie Kosar is suing a podcasting company after losing his radio job over a sports wager he claims he was contractually obligated to place.
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback was an analyst on the team’s pregame show when he was fired in 2023 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
The lawsuit filed in an Ohio court during the spring, according to Cleveland.com, claims that Kosar met a requirement in a contract with digital media company BIGPLAY and co-owner Kendall Myles that was separate from his Browns gig.
Kosar had to place a ceremonial bet with a BIGPLAY sportsbook partner when Ohio sports betting went live online at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s 2023. The deal also guaranteed that Kosar would not “be liable, nor responsible, for the amount of the wager nor will be entitled to any winnings that may occur as a result of the wager.”
The bet
While performing one of his duties for BIGPLAY, the publicity stunt led to a $19,000 wager “as a sign of goodwill” by Kosar on the Browns to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final game of the regular season.
Cleveland found out about the bet and fired Kosar on the day of the game since he was an employee of the team who violated the NFL’s rules.
Kosar is seeking $850,000 in actual damages, as well as attorney fees and undisclosed punitive damages. Kosar had a $200,000 deal with the Browns.
The accusations
The lawsuit claims BIGPLAY, which produces audio and video podcasts on social media and Bally Sports Network, breached the terms of the contract by trying to force Kosar to do more public appearances during the NFL season than agreed upon, which the former QB declined because of his Browns job.
The lawsuit also accuses Myles of threatening to hit Kosar and screaming so close to his face that he spit on Kosar at a public event.
“The claims of wrongdoing in the complaint filed by Mr. Kosar are false, and we look forward to the opportunity to defend our clients in court,” an attorney for BIGPLAY and Myles said in a statement to Cleveland.com. “Otherwise, our policy is not to comment further on pending litigation.”
