Batch and Farrior to Stay Away From Casino Opening

After learning that their participation may violate NFL rules regarding the promotion of gambling, Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch and linebacker James Farrior will not attend the grand opening of a high stakes gaming room at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania.

“I wasn’t planning on doing any gambling there,” said Farrior told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I didn’t even think about it. After looking into it, I’m not going to do it. I don’t want any ripples with the NFL. (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell already said if you break the rules during the lockout, you will get in trouble when we come back.”

Batch said that he was unaware that his name was on the advertisement promoting the ribbon-cutting ceremony and had no intentions of attending the event.

“We just became aware of this, and we will look into it,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

The league is currently investigating the involvement of over two dozen NFL players in a now shuttered Alabama casino. Current players Santonio Holmes, Terrell Owens, Santana Moss, Gerard Warren, and Adalius Thomas have been identified as investors in the casino.