What about Bob? Glauber's NFL Blog

In the wake of the gambling scandal now threatening the very underpinnings of the NBA, it's fair to ask: Could it happen in today's NFL?

It's been more than 44 years since Alex Karras and Paul Hornung were each suspended for a year by then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle for betting on games, and the league has done an exemplary job ever since in preventing a repeat.

And while it's silly to think something like that could never happen again, and while NFL games are routinely bet on from Vegas to your nearest office pool, the chances of fixing games have been greatly reduced. Thanks to the NFL's vigilance in addressing the issue, we haven't seen the kind of integrity-threatening behavior that basketball is now experiencing.

It's right there in big bold letters in every NFL locker room: NFL GAMBLING NOTICE.

It's followed by these no-no's for all players and coaches:

1. 1. Accepting a bribe or agreeing to throw or fix a game to illegally influence the outcome of a game.

2. Failing to report promptly any bribe offer or any attempt to throw or fix a game to illegally influence its outcome.

3. Betting on any NFL games.

4. Association with gamblers or with gambling activities in a manner intending to bring discredit to the NFL.

Any such conduct may result in severe penalties up to and including fines and/or suspension from the NFL for life.

Pretty strong words, wouldn't you say?

The league has also gone to great pains to spread the word in annual security meetings during training camp, which will take place shortly for all teams. And officials are greatly scrutinized throughout the season. Consider: Every single official is graded on every single play in every single game in every single season.

So the chances of a gambler getting to an official are greatly minimized. Not only that, but the league makes a good point in reminding us that it's really not such a bad idea having part-time officials. All of them undergo thorough background checks, they are highly successful individuals, from school principals, to attorneys, to millionaire real estate developers. By drawing on high-character men to officiate the games, it further lessens the possibility that they'd fall prey to a gambling element.

Again, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the NFL could see another betting scandal like the one that rocked the league nearly five decades ago. But it sure isn't likely.