DraftKings Rightfully Ripped for Offering ‘Never Forget’ Bet on 9/11

Who thought this was a good idea?

A distasteful 9/11-themed promotion by DraftKings Sportsbook took plenty of heat throughout the sports world Monday.

The sports betting giant advertised a promotional parlay of three New York City teams (the Mets, Yankees and Jets) to each win on Monday in a bet the site called the “Never Forget” parlay. The bet was offered for several hours on the app with the tagline "Bet these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11.” Multiple users shared screenshots Sunday night of the promotional bet before it was eventually taken down Monday morning after getting plenty of internet backlash.

No way DraftKings did a “Never Forget 9/11” parlay 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/gncovEETI7

— Chuck Goldberg (@chuckgoldberg) September 11, 2023

Update: DraftKings offered this apology on Monday afternoon:

We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.

— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) September 11, 2023

It didn’t take long for DraftKings to get ripped for the insensitive promotion. Fans took to social media to bash the company, and for good reason. 

Are you kidding me? Ridiculous. Tone Deaf. Insensitive and dumb. https://t.co/2HK8KYIB2m

— Heather McDonough (@HeatherMcD4) September 11, 2023

Absolutely awful https://t.co/YB0p8TaJma

— Pam Chvotkin, Storyteller (@reddusfoximus) September 11, 2023

How many people had to sign off on this and how did no one realize it was a real bad look? https://t.co/WeSawMXe8U

— MLP Esq (@MLP_Esq) September 11, 2023

who put this up and was like hmmmm "seems like a good idea" lol https://t.co/0NdTP9LoSf

— Bennie Mac - Be Nice… (@BenMcC1908) September 11, 2023

This is disgusting https://t.co/Z2yzfSzXik

— christopha (@miguelandujar23) September 11, 2023

absolutely no shame man I am speechless at this https://t.co/LbSjNvDVOt

— Atindra Garigipati (@AtiGinthehouse) September 11, 2023