Sports betting company DraftKings apologized on Monday after mocking the September 11 attacks, enticing people to bet on baseball and football games on the tragic anniversary.
The Boston-based company offered users a 9/11-themed promotion that required three New York-based teams – the NY Yankees, Mets and Jets – to win their games on the same day the United States commemorates the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
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Social media users took to the platforms to share their offense after the company titled the bet “Never Forget.” DraftKings took down the post shortly before apologizing for their reference.
Critics quickly jumped onto the drama, dragging DraftKings for the insensitive promotion, calling the “momentary lapse in judgement,” from “insane” to “anti-American.”
In a post to X, the social media company that used to be Twitter, the National Fraternal Order of Police blasted the site for “making light of 3,000 innocent people being murdered.” https://t.co/LrcZ7fxpds
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 12, 2023
Clay Travis tweeted: “DraftKings really has a “Never Forget” 9/11 parlay today, Fire your entire marketing team, guys. They’re imbeciles.”
Draft Kings really had a “Never Forget” 9/11 parlay today. Fire your entire marketing team, guys. They’re imbeciles. pic.twitter.com/X2lErzsJIb
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 11, 2023
Another user stated, “Very insensitive. SMH Draft Kings do better. Hit them with the button!!!”
Very insensitive. SMH Draft Kings do better. Hit them with the button!!! #CYPY#EbrointheMorning https://t.co/PHmxxYcehv pic.twitter.com/jLfyPrz49v
— Ebro In The Morning (@EBROINTHEAM) September 12, 2023
Another user: “Generation Z is more often than not emotionally disconnected from the realities of 9/11, and things like this show it.”
Generation Z is more often than not emotionally disconnected from the realities of 9/11, and things like this show it.
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) September 11, 2023
Another user: “Just goes to show you how 9/11 to these GenZ’ers simply doesn’t resonate.”
Just goes to show you how 9/11 to these GenZ’ers simply doesn’t resonate.
— Gator 1 (@adndel) September 11, 2023
“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11,” the company wrote. “We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”
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