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MLB Clears Bryce Harper After FanDuel Video Used in Suit Over $1.6 Million Loss
Commissioner Rob Manfred said the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman will face no punishment after recording a personalized video sent to a FanDuel user. Harper stated he believed the message was a Cameo-style recording.
Jul 17, 7:00 AM·1m read1 source
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Major League Baseball will not punish Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper for recording a 21-second personalized video on behalf of FanDuel, Forbes reported. Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the decision during a meeting with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Manfred stated that Harper’s actions did not violate the collective bargaining agreement.
MLB rules permit players to appear in sportsbook advertisements or make personal appearances for casinos, racetracks, or sportsbook companies, provided they do not encourage betting on baseball. Harper posted on Instagram that he believed he was recording a Cameo-style personalized message and would not have participated if he had known the video would be used to encourage continued gambling by the recipient.
The video was sent to FanDuel user Terry Thompson.
Thompson sued FanDuel in March, alleging the platform caused him to lose about $1.6 million while betting an estimated $18.5 million over a four-year period. The current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1. Harper participated in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14.
