Fantasy football cost four Fidelity employees their jobs, The Star-Telegram reported. Among those fired was Cameron Pettigrew, who was a relationship manager at the Westlake, Texas office.

"Firing a guy for being in a $20 fantasy league? Let’s be honest; that’s a complete overreaction," Pettigrew told the pub. "In this economic time, especially. To fire people over something like this, it’s just cold."

Fidelity spokesperson Vin Loporchio was quoted as saying in the article that the company has "clear policies that relate to gambling."

"Participation in any form of gambling through the use of Fidelity time or equipment or any other company resource is prohibited. In addition to being illegal in a lot of places, it can also be disruptive. We want our employees to be focused on our customers and clients," Loporchio added.

Pettigrew said he was aware of the policy, but added that it was ignored by the higher-ups and he knew of at least 10 fantasy leagues in which leaders and managers took part.

He also said he never sent out e-mails on fantasy football at work. Investigators, however, discovered two instant messages bearing fantasy-football content. 

Edited by: Armie Margaret Lee


Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE