Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies' powerful first baseman, is absolutely in hot water, but get this: it has nothing to do with anything on the baseball field. Turns out, a Cameo video the nine-time All-Star recorded way back in November 2024 resurfaced, and it is sparking some serious questions about how sportsbooks operate and where players fit in. Harper was asked by a FanDuel VIP host to record a video for a bettor who had already gambled over $18.5 million. Yeah, you read that right: eighteen-and-a-half MILLION dollars. Harper's since come out swinging, saying he had no clue about the gambler's situation or what FanDuel was really trying to pull.
FanDuel's Sketchy "Special Thanksgiving" Perk
So, what happened? Harper, who's active on Cameo (that platform where you can pay celebs for personalized videos, usually for birthdays or holidays), got a request. Bryttanni Morgan from FanDuel Sports wanted him to make a video for a frequent gambler named Terry Thompson. Thompson had apparently wagered more than $18.5 million on FanDuel since he started gambling several years ago, earning him "VIP" status. In the video, Harper delivers a message that now just feels incredibly messed up. He said, "Hey, Terry? What's up, brother? Hey, man, your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special." An "extra special" message from a star like Harper? For a guy who'd dropped millions? Talk about a red flag!Harper's Fight Back: "FanDuel Had No Right To Do It"
After the video blew up and caused a ton of backlash, Harper didn't just sit there. He dropped a lengthy statement, even including the message instructions he got from Cameo. He made it crystal clear he was totally out of the loop and had no idea FanDuel was going to send his video to a gambler in such deep trouble. Harper wrote, plain as day, "I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it." Thompson himself ended up suing FanDuel and Morgan in March, alleging that the sportsbook pushed him into gambling addiction and made him lose $2 million. He even mentioned DraftKings, the NFL, and Genius Sports in his lawsuit. Harper's final word on it was powerful: "Had I known FanDuel's true intent, I would not have made the video. The same is true had I known anything about Terry or his situation, or about any alleged 'par." This whole mess raises serious questions about player endorsements and sportsbook practices. Harper is standing his ground, and you can see why he's so fired up.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.