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The Rough N’ Rowdy boxing series, which was previously accused by an event promoter of Jose Canseco taking a dive in a boxing match, will once again be open for betting in Michigan next month, after a gap of over two months.
If Barstool Sportsbook chooses to extend its market offerings to residents of Michigan, the upcoming event in West Virginia on April 23 could become even more exciting. Additionally, other states might have the opportunity to participate as well.
The retired baseball slugger’s days of moonlighting as a celebrity boxing sideshow may have come to an end as the West Virginia State Athletic Commission has imposed an indefinite suspension on him.
However, Barstool has received approval for Rough N’ Rowdy 14 after the commission conducted an investigation into the Feb. 5 fight and subsequently sanctioned the April event.
Canseco fighting again? No way, Jose
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, accused Canseco of intentionally losing against a Barstool intern during the main event of Rough N’ Rowdy 13 in Charles Town, W.Va. It was reported that Canseco received a sum of $1 million for his involvement in the event.
According to Leon Ramsey, chairman of the WV commission, other boxing commissions across the country will respect and enforce Canseco’s suspension. The ban can be appealed by the former Oakland A’s Bash Brother.
Ramsey informed Playinmichigan that the suspension revolved around two primary triggers.
Initially, Canseco failed to disclose the full scope of his injuries during the pre-fight evaluations. He later admitted to aggravating a previously torn shoulder during the bout. It is noteworthy that Canseco had undergone knee surgery several months prior to the fight.
Ramsey stated that he failed to reveal any surgeries or acknowledge his poor health condition. He emphasized the importance of answering these questions honestly when asked.
In a Twitter post, Canseco announced that he has undergone surgery on his right shoulder following the fight, and also disclosed his intention to have an operation on his left shoulder.
Furthermore, Ramsey claims that Canseco failed to offer sufficient resistance.
“Ramsey stated that he observed a lack of willingness or capability in him to engage in combat.”
Playinmichigan attempted to contact Canseco through the email addresses he shared on Twitter, including one that was recently used to inquire about purchasing a Weimaraner puppy. Canseco has not yet replied.
Barstool Sports cleared for more Rough N’ Rowdy events in WV
The boxing match featuring Jose Canseco and the subsequent events that unfolded during the fight night were precisely the type of viral controversy that Barstool thrives on.
In the main event, a showdown unfolded between the 56-year-old Canseco and his 22-year-old opponent, Billy Football. Astonishingly, Canseco found himself on the losing end within a mere dozen seconds. Despite launching a fierce offensive, Canseco’s efforts were in vain as he unsuccessfully attempted to secure a hold on Billy before ultimately succumbing to defeat and retiring in the corner.
Portnoy maintained the story’s momentum by tweeting that Canseco intentionally “took a dive” without a doubt.
Barstool followed all necessary protocols, despite the theatrics, as determined by the commission.
“There is no action to be taken against them,” stated Ramsey, as they have acquired all the required permits and licenses and have diligently adhered to the guidelines.
Ramsey also mentioned that the host of the event, Hollywood Casino, which is owned by Penn National Gaming (PNG), shared the same sentiment. It is worth noting that PNG holds a stake in Barstool Sports as well.
According to Ramsey, the commission unanimously voted to suspend Canseco while exonerating Barstool and other individuals.
Michigan sports bettors had action on Canseco fight
Rough N’ Rowdy had been a beloved tradition in small-town West Virginia for a significant period of time prior to capturing the attention of Barstool. In late 2017, Barstool acquired the promotion, introducing events featuring their own personalities and enabling pay-per-view streaming.
Ramsey emphasized that the WV commission lacks authority to dictate whether other state regulators permit betting on their events. He further highlighted that West Virginia solely permits boxing bets on events sanctioned by professional governing bodies, like the World Boxing Association.
However, similar to other state regulators, the Michigan Gaming Control Board allows for sports betting markets to include fights that are sanctioned by state athletic commissions.
What happened with bets on the Canseco fight?
The boxing match featuring Jose Canseco occurred on Feb. 5, which was a fortnight after the launch of Michigan’s online sports betting market on Jan. 22.
After a successful 10-day kickoff in January, Barstool Sportsbook continued its positive momentum. Portnoy and his pals were still lingering in downtown Detroit, diligently filming content ahead of Super Bowl LV, which was scheduled just two nights after the Canseco fight.
Rough N’ Rowdy 13 effortlessly blended into an otherwise calm sports schedule.
Barstool Sportsbook in Michigan provided promotional markets for Canseco and Billy, offering odds of +400 each with a maximum bet limit of $10.
According to Jeff Morris, the spokesperson for Penn, he informed Playinmichigan about the measures taken by the book to address the consequences. He mentioned that all winning bets were duly paid out, while losing bets were refunded and accompanied by a donation to the Barstool Fund. This fund played a crucial role in supporting small businesses during the pandemic.
Ultimately, not a single bettor from Michigan incurred any losses from the February event.
Morris stated that after the title fight ended, it seemed like the defeated fighter was either injured or did not compete sincerely. However, regardless of the exact situation, the Barstool Sportsbook decided that the initial grading of the bet was not suitable to stand. Consequently, they promptly nullified all unsuccessful bets, distributed winnings to the winners, and matched the lost wagers by making a donation to the Barstool Fund.
Playinmichigan received no response from Morris regarding Barstool’s potential market offerings in MI next month. It’s worth noting that no other Michigan sportsbooks accepted bets for the February fight.
According to Mary Kay Bean, spokesperson for the MGCB, the regulator refrains from commenting on investigations or disclosing whether it is currently conducting one.
Will Barstool Sportsbook post next Rough N’ Rowdy?
Last week, Doug Harbach, communications director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, stated that Pennsylvania, the only other state where Barstool Sportsbook operated during that period, did not accept bets for Rough N’ Rowdy 13. He further mentioned that Pennsylvania has not authorized wagers for the entire event.
According to Gene O’Shea, spokesperson for the Illinois Gaming Board, Rough N’ Rowdy bets will proceed, and in addition to that, Illinois now has an online Barstool Sportsbook since the Feb. 5 fight.
Virginia has received approval for a Barstool Sportsbook, but the exact opening date is still unknown. The Virginia Lottery website’s list of approved leagues and events states that all Association of Boxing Commission and Combative Sports events can be bet on, similar to the regulations in Illinois.
Penn intends to introduce Barstool Sportsbook in Indiana before April concludes. The Indiana Gaming Commission has granted permission for betting on Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports boxing cards if the platform is operational by April 23.
The lineup for Rough N’ Rowdy 14 is currently being finalized, while preparations are underway for the event on April 23 in Morgantown. To participate in the bouts, all fighters must undergo a screening process.
Afterwards, the responsibility falls solely on the fighters.
Ramsey expressed that it is not within our ability to force these individuals into conflict. Our expectation is that they will carry out their duties, with the belief and desire that they are in good health, and engage in competitive fights.
“We lack the authority to compel them to do that. However, if they enter and fail to comply, that’s when we initiate the necessary measures.”
