If you were in the position to call a professional game and make an undisclosed amount of cash from bookies, Las Vegas rollers or all around scumbags would you collect.. even if it meant throwing a game??
“Charlie Hustle” bka Pete Rose:
A former player and Manager for the Cincinnati Reds, he reportedly placed bets on 52 games in the 1987 season and allegedly wagered a minumum of $10,000/day.
Punishment: Lifetime ban from the MLB Hall of Fame, an extensive audit on his taxes (evasion) and a jersey number that will never be retired or worn again by the Cincinnati Reds.
Timothy Donaghy:
Tim is a former professional basketball referee who worked in the NBA for 13 seasons from 1994 to 2007. During his career in the NBA, Donaghy officiated in 772 regular-season games and 20 playoff games. He resigned after allegations that he bet on games that he officiated during his last two seasons and that he made calls affecting the point spread in those games.
Punishment: After pleading guilty to two federal charges related to the investigation, Donaghy was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on July 29, 2008. He could face more charges at the state level if it is determined that he deliberately miscalled individual games.
As you can see, the severity of the offense has gotten stern over the years.. as for me.. my freedom is priceless. WHen you start talking about the Feds, its a whole other ballgame!
I couldn’t do it! I have had opportunity to do so.