Drew Brees, PointsBet fake a lightning strike in search of brand attention

What looked like a tragedy for NFL legend Drew Brees was only a quarterback sneak. Brees early Friday appeared in a tweet showing him cutting a promo for the sportsbook PointsBet that was interrupted by a lightning strike. PointsBet followed up several hours later with an “update” that played into the ruse before Brees finally came clean revealing the stunt was a promotion for the app’s “lightning bets,” or in-game wagers. Estrella de la @NFL @drewbrees fue impactado por un relámpago en el Catatumbo mientras grabábamos un comercial al sur del lago de Maracaibo. Pasó hace unas horas. Más información en breve... pic.twitter.com/b8PQdRpdtN— Rafael Hernández (@sincepto) December 2, 2022 We are aware of the media coverage regarding PointsBet brand ambassador Drew Brees. We are in communication with Brees' team and will continue to monitor events throughout the coming hours. At this stage we will not be making any further comment.— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) December 2, 2022 Time to let you in on a little fun we've had with @drewbrees guys. He's alive and well and "buzzing" for a weekend of free bets. Keep your eyes on our channels all weekend for bet drops for US vs. Netherlands, College Football and NFL. pic.twitter.com/vhnLm5S0Cw— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) December 2, 2022 “If the objective was to bring attention and awareness to their lightning bets promotion, mission accomplished,” said Dale Song, a chief partnerships officer, consulting, at Omnicom’s Optimum Sports division. But the online reaction was less merciful, with several users comparing the stunt to schemes from the TV comedy “Nathan for You.” The plan? We stage Drew Brees’ gruesome death on Twitter in a lightening storm to get a few app downloads. pic.twitter.com/FRP3jBuO1E— McNeil (@Reflog_18) December 2, 2022 Other users found the stunt insensitive to victims of actual lightning strikes. So this is a joke to you then? https://t.co/jc6eJC97iK— Tommy Busam (@TommyBusam) December 2, 2022 As competitors in the sports wagering field jockey for users, PointsBet has demonstrated edgy advertising in the past including a recent spot called “Sanctuary” showing a man placing bets on his phone while seated at a toilet.

Drew Brees, PointsBet fake a lightning strike in search of brand attention

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