Giants' Saquon Barkley, Tommy DeVito discuss receiving gambling-related messages

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is among NFL players who have received messages from fans via social media related to bets placed before and during games. 

"I would say the view of sports gambling is definitely at a high level," Barkley explained during a recent chat with Ryan Gaydos of Fox News Digital. "Every week, I get a tweet about some parlay, some type of sports bet that I’m a part of. There’s times where I help some people win some money, and there’s times where I get a (direct message) or message saying, 'Cash App me $200 right now.' I think it makes sense where football is and where sports gambling is headed..."

Matt Bonesteel humorously wrote for The Washington Post back in September 2017 about how NFL players don't care about fantasy football teams run by fans each season. That, of course, was before more individuals across the United States than ever before were able to place bets on games and player performances using their phones or other devices that connect to the Internet. 

For a piece published on Jan. 8, Will Yakowicz of Forbes noted that 38 states currently allow sports wagering in the country. Back in September, NPR mentioned that the NFL has direct partnerships with betting outlets such as DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars Entertainment. 

"I think it’s good and bad," Giants rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito added about how fans have welcomed gambling on the NFL. "People get to win some money, some people lose money. I think it’s kinda funny, like (Barkley) said, when he gets some tweets and mentions. For me, I’ve gotten Cash App requests, Venmo requests. Like, 'You didn’t hit your over passing yards' or whatever it is. I think it’s all cool fun. It’s all fun and games."

Such messages aren't always "fun and games," as history shows gamblers sometimes go too far with what they send professional and collegiate athletes. 

In short, some who bet on the NFL and other competitions should probably embrace the "never tweet" mantra as it pertains to their social media use.