Adam Silver says he’s very concerned
Looks like they was targeting high end clients. I play poker A LOT. And to hear these details makes me wonder if this exists at a lower level. And the answer is most likely yes. Can’t trust anything these days.
Clarity from sir Charles:
https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/n...
He is not wrong. Sure its more complicated that this but rigging games is as old as time. We had the chicago white sox thing over 100 years ago. Massive pt shaving in college basketball in its hayday in MSG and "the Mecca" in the 50's rocked the sport (it was much bigger then than the pro game!)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_colle...
PLayers are educated about gamblning and I would imagine players are also instructed about outside influences and the company they keep. This is true for Russian hockey players, and baseball players from latin america that has some counter economies with some rough rules to them. Are the players extorted to participate? Are players arrogant and stupid? Was Billups caught up in it or extorted? We do know if so he can't exactly rat them out.
Im insinationg legal better in this era is not the root cause as its always been prevalent. Boxing matches? When it was big I gather it too was wrought with all kinds of activity. Thus I don't blame legalized gambling. Players are told they will be monitered and what they can and cannot do.
Remember Michael Vick, a convicted Felon (Now a college head coach!)went to jail for 18 months for financing Dog fighting and I'd guess some tax evasion. Did he need the money? Nope. Was he in it for the action? Maybe? Was he in the company of dudes that kind of asked him to do it when "No" would not suffice as a good response and perhaps an accident to his family or property might ensue? You know, help out, make some money,and perhaps by good change the odds of such a thing would turn to his benefit?
Im not a conspiracy guy but its in pro sports best interests this shit not happen and I'd guess if at all possible they have kept it private if enforcement agencies are not involved. You know, like when Michael Jordan "retired"! I'd gather there have been much smaller instances.
My take is pro sports has had to battle this for decades in some form or another. Can it be stopped? Well legalizing it won't but perhaps it helps make it a bit more transparent to pick up the anomolies given the technology and the entities proving entry for leagues and gov't to monitor it some. When it was done on the streets, far less so.
It won't be the last time and perhaps a dirty ref again will get caught. Until then there will be accusations when logic is out the door.
