Mike Tomlin Says He Is ‘Saddened’ By Fantasy Football And Sports Betting; Fans React

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says he is “saddened” by “the distractions” of fantasy football and sports betting.

Tomlin said this on his week radio show with Bob Pompeani in response to fans complaining about Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick running out of bounds after intercepting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota at the end of the game on December 4th instead of trying to score.

Fitzpatrick apparently caught a lot of flak from fantasy football players and bettors who needed that extra score.

“It just shows you he’s a smart football player, but it also shows you the state of sport entertainment, man. It is ridiculous that we’re talking about something other than winning — whether or not you had the Steelers defense and the fantasy points that you lost. Or the gambling aspects of overs and unders,” Tomlin said.

“I just, on a personal note, I’m saddened often by the distractions that can become part of viewing and enjoying men competing at the highest level of the game that we all love by fantasy teams and over and under lines. It’s unfortunate at times, really.

“That guy displayed great situational awareness and play making and selflessness in that play and he should be championed for that as opposed to questioning some of the ways that I hear him being questioned, unfortunately.”

A lot of NFL fans heard what Mike Tomlin had to say about fantasy football and betting and, go figure, they disagreed with his take.

“Tomlin’s salary has tripled since he became the coach of the Steelers,” another NFL tweeted. “He’s certainly not saddened by fantasy football’s influence and betting in that fact.”

“It’s unfortunate that he feels this way,” another NFL fan commented. “Whether the old guard likes it or not, gambling and fantasy sports are a huge part of the business of the NFL. It’s a way for fans to learn and care about players they otherwise would never hear of. Great for the shield.”