Bernie Kosar claims the forced bet cost him Brown’s radio job

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has filed a lawsuit against a media company that allegedly forced him to make a celebratory bet that cost him his job on the team’s pregame show last year, according to court documents.

Kosar was pulled from the Browns’ pregame radio show in January 2023 for betting on the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which the team said was a violation of the NFL’s gambling policy. Team employees are prohibited from placing bets.

Kosar said on his radio show that he bet $19,000 on Brown and would donate the winnings to charity. Kosar wore number 19 when he starred for the Browns during the 1980s.

The lawsuit, which was filed in April and lists Cleveland-based media company Bigplay LLC and co-owner Kendall Miles as defendants, alleges that Kosar was told he would personally have to place a $19,000 bet on the Browns to beat the Steelers, who are in dispute with the contract.

According to the lawsuit, the agreement called for Kosar to place a bet on a sports betting app for a New Year’s Eve party charity event, and that Kosar “shall not be responsible or liable for the amount of the bet and will not be entitled to any amount.” Gains that may occur as a result of betting.”

The lawsuit also alleges that Miles verbally assaulted and threatened Kosar, and alleges there were multiple instances where the contract was not honored. According to the lawsuit, Miles attempted to renegotiate the terms of the agreement in September 2023, and two weeks after Kosar refused, his contract was wrongfully terminated.

Kosar is seeking damages in excess of $900,000.

Miles’ attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.