The Cleveland Browns have severed ties with Bernie Kosar after he acknowledged that he placed a legal bet on the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this past week.

The $19,000 wager placed by the former quarterback was for his former team to beat the Steelers.

Kosar stated on social media that he was “shocked and disappointed” in the decision. Adding that “orange and brown are my life.”

He is the first non-player and non-coach to be attached to a gambling-related consequence. At least that we know of.

The NFL, and sports leagues in general, don’t mess around when it comes to gambling. Whether players or staff are betting on their teams or others around the league.

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for over a year for gambling. Recently, New York Jets receivers coach Miles Austin was also suspended for betting as well.

If you are a member of a sports franchise, you just can’t gamble on the games. It’s as simple as that. We can talk about exceptions for non-players and personnel that aren’t on the field. But no one within the team should bet on games. It’s a can of worms we don’t want to open.

Sports gambling had recently become legal in the state of Ohio. Kosar’s bet is reportedly the first legal wager in the state. He said any winnings from the bet would be donated to charity.

Unfortunately for Kosar, he not only lost his job with the team as a pre-game radio host, but the bet as well. The Browns went on to lose to Pittsburgh 28-14.

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports