Barstool Sports' Big Ev Breaks Silence on Disappearance, Reveals Gambling Addiction and Rehab Treatment
Barstool Sports personality Evan "Big Ev" McDowell revealed that he took a leave of absence in April and May to seek treatment for gambling addiction. McDowell acknowledged that some allegations against him during his absence were true, though he disputed others. He has returned to Barstool and is encouraging others struggling with mental health to reach out to him.
Barstool Sports personality Evan "Big Ev" McDowell addressed his mysterious disappearance from the media outlet by posting a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which he disclosed his struggle with gambling addiction. McDowell explained that he stepped away from Barstool in April and May to receive treatment, stating he "needed to do something drastic" and had to "admit that I am powerless over it." His absence had been noticed by fans after he was pulled from Barstool's gambling show "Picks Central" and other content, with his social media going dark after March 31. In his statement, McDowell acknowledged that some of the rumors circulating about him during his absence—including allegations about taking advantage of followers and owing money to bookies—were accurate, though he disputed others. He apologized to those impacted by his behavior, thanked Barstool leadership for supporting him, and announced his return to the company while opening his direct messages to others struggling with mental health.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Barstool Sports’ ‘Big Ev’ breaks silence on mysterious disappearance: ‘I’m a gambling addict’
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