"Every other league can only look on and know that if there was ever a sure-bet, it's that this won't be the last time a parade of FBI and Department of Justice figures stage a news conference to detail a slew of indictments over unsavory behavior involving sports betting. More than 30 people were arrested, including big shots such as Mr. Big Shot -- Hall of Fame player and current Portland Trail Blazer coach Chauncey Billups."
"Gambling scandals are not new in sports -- from the Black Sox to Tim Donaghy. However, the proliferation of legalized sports wagering, putting betting in everyone's face, if not their phone, almost assuredly makes the games more susceptible. The indictments contained fascinating high-tech details of underground poker games with X-ray card readers to help organized crime rig the action. And there were the alleged actions of Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach who the feds say tipped off others about injuries the public"
"'Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight,' the indictment alleges Jones texted a co-conspirator. 'Bet enough so Djones can eat to [sic] now!!!' One Laker who sat out that night to rest a sore left ankle? LeBron James. A source close to James told ESPN on Thursday that the star had no knowledge of information about his status being leaked. The Bucks won by nine, covering the -7.5 spread. DJones, presumably, ate."
More than 30 people were arrested after an FBI and Department of Justice sweep uncovered sports-betting corruption tied to organized crime, including Chauncey Billups. Officials cited La Cosa Nostra and New York crime families such as the Gambinos and Genovese. The probe revealed high-tech schemes, including underground poker games using X-ray card readers, and alleged tipping by Damon Jones about player injuries for profitable bets. A leaked tip allegedly signaled a Lakers player sitting out—LeBron James—leading to a Bucks cover. Agents likened the operation to a Hollywood movie, and observers warned legalized betting increases vulnerability.
Read at ESPN.com
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