Is it funny, or is it a disgrace? That’s the question being asked after controversial online bookmaker Sportsbet launched its latest advertising campaign.
The commercial which has clearly been produced to generate controversy, features disgraced former NRL player Todd Carney.
Carney’s football career ended after repeated alcohol-related incidents led him to depart multiple football teams. The worst incident involved the infamous “bubbler” photo which featured the player attempting to urinate into his mouth while standing at a pub urinal.
Sportsbet have now looked to cash in on the incident by including Carney in its promotion for a new iPhone betting app.
A voiceover tells viewers the app is so easy; “even whizz kid Todd Carney can use it”, he then responds “yeah piece of,” vision quickly cuts to a concrete fountain shaped like a small child, with water skirting in the direction of the child’s mouth.
The commercial premiered on Sunday evening and has been airing during family viewing times including Australia’s Got Talent, 6pm News bulletins, and breakfast programs Sunrise and Today.
Sportsbet’s General Manager of marketing Tim Hernadi defended the commercial today stating;
“Everyone knows someone who has committed foolish acts or have found themselves in foolish situations. Who better than Todd Carney to help us launch our new iPhone app and we’re confident punters will agree.”
Carney will soon be launching an autobiography titled “Hard Truth” where he discuss how his career was derailed by ‘a toxic relationship with alcohol and binge drinking, and reckless immaturity.’
How to reach a new #High in #Disgusting?
Those #PatheticBastards at #SportBet using gigantic tool @ToddCarney infamous for his #BubblerAntics in a promotion commercial. Not clever you fools, more like #Pathetic— Michael Wright (@mikew9900) August 11, 2019
Todd Carney on the new Sportsbet ad?
Imagine actually getting to cash in on the fact you pissed in your own mouth…
— James Caruana (@jamescaruana12) August 11, 2019
Todd Carney being sponsored by Sportsbet for pissing in his mouth sounds like 2019 in a nutshell…
— Jesaulenkondo (@jesaulenkondo) August 11, 2019
Wtf Sportsbet. It’s 7:50 and I watching Todd Carney and a fountain piss on its own head??
F.M.D.
— Really Renee (@SoSaysRenee) August 10, 2019
The greatest ad I have every scene!
Angry Vegan, Cat fishing and Carney incident is pure genius!!!
Congrats to the company who put this together!!!
J quote : “The greatest ad I have ever SCENE….pure genius” Well that really sums up the target audience, doesn’t it….
I hit the remote as soon as I hear that bogan voice-over in the Sportsbet ads. Why not celebrate rugby players shitting in each other’s beds as well cause they do that when on tour.
Disgusting. But true to form for Sports Bet and Carney. Get it off TV. 6:40 PM at night in the middle of the news. Hasn’t anyone got some pride or ,orals!!!
Todd Carney Horrible advert.
And just seen another that is stupid some weird Botox person….
Bad yuk. Both ads.
What are you thinking Sports Bet ! A real put off.
This ad makes me want to throw up. Why does it have to be used to promote sports bet. The first time I saw it I was in shock. I have a son who has played rugby league for 13years. Even he is disgusted by it. Crazy why Todd is getting back for something reckless that he did. I feel sorry for him that he was videoed. But seriously do we and young kids need to be reminded.
Absolutely disgraceful TV commercial ! Just further evidence that sports gambling advertising should/must be banned on television. The people who run these betting organisations are either sleaze bags, or idiots….or probably both!