Patrick Mahomes’ Agent Calls Out Bryce Harper After FanDuel Video to Bettor Who Lost $1.5 Million

A VIP bettor lost $1.5 million with FanDuel, and instead of a refund, he got a personalized video from Bryce Harper. Now Patrick Mahomes’ agent is speaking up about it.

Leigh Steinberg, who represents Mahomes, didn’t hold back when asked about the video. He told The Inquirer that athletes should think twice before doing stuff like this for sportsbooks. “It’s not good for your brand,” Steinberg said. “It’s exploitative and it’s not the sort of activity you want to be associated with.”

The bettor is Terry Thompson. He started gambling in 2020 and it got out of hand fast. He ended up wagering $18.5 million with FanDuel, which earned him top-tier “MVP” status. That came with perks like champagne and Super Bowl tickets. But by late 2024, he had lost a ton of money and was taking “desperate measures to fund his addiction,” according to the report.

That’s when FanDuel sent him the Harper video. In it, Harper mentions Thompson and his son by name, thanks them for their support, and says their VIP manager asked him to reach out. He even drops the name of the manager, Bryttanni. Harper wasn’t wearing any FanDuel gear, but it’s pretty clear who requested the favor.

Did Harper Know?

There’s no evidence Harper knew about Thompson’s gambling problem. And there’s no indication he has a formal partnership with FanDuel. But the optics are rough. A star athlete making a personal video for a guy who gambled away millions? That’s not a great look, especially as sports betting continues to spread across the country.

Steinberg’s comments should be a wake-up call for players. Don’t expect to see Mahomes in a similar video anytime soon. His agent made that clear.

Harper has been with the Phillies since 2019 after seven seasons in Washington. He’s a nine-time All-Star, a two-time NL MVP, and the 2012 Rookie of the Year. The Phillies are 51-42 this season, sitting in second place in the NL East. But this story isn’t about his numbers. It’s about the kind of brand he’s building off the field. And some people think it needs a second look.