Bernie Kosar alleges forced bet cost him Browns radio job

Former cleveland browns Quarterback Bernie Kosar is suing a media company that he alleges forced him to make a ceremonial bet that caused him to lose his job on the team’s pregame show last year, according to court documents.

Kosar was removed from the Browns’ pregame radio show in January 2023 for betting on the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which the team said was a violation of the NFL’s betting policy. Team employees are prohibited from placing bets.

Kosar said on his radio show that he bet $19,000 on the Browns and would donate the winnings to charity. Kosar wore number 19 when he played for the Browns during the 1980s.

The lawsuit, which was filed in April and lists as defendants Cleveland-based media company Bigplay LLC and co-owner Kendall Myles, alleges that Kosar was told he would have to personally place a $19,000 bet on the Browns to beat the Steelers, which is in odds with the contract.

According to the lawsuit, the agreement called for Kosar to place a bet on a sports betting app for a New Year’s party charity event and that Kosar “would not be liable for the amount of the bet nor be entitled to any winnings that may occur as a result.” of the bet.”

The lawsuit also alleges that Myles verbally assaulted and threatened Kosar and claims there are multiple instances where the contract was not fulfilled. According to the lawsuit, Myles attempted to renegotiate the terms of the agreement in September 2023 and two weeks after Kosar refused, his contract was wrongfully terminated.

Kosar is seeking more than $900,000 in damages.

An attorney for Myles did not immediately respond to a request for comment.