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Apparently I’m expected to take a victory lap for frequently predicting the inevitable. Yeah, I’m Erasmus for warning that greed corrupts and gambling invites corruption. Who otherwise knew? 

Anyway, the mob allegedly came to own an NBA head coach, Chauncey Billups, and, according to the federal indictment, “own him” they did. Crime families don’t hire part-time help; they don’t have per diem rates. 

Why would the Mafia lean on a high-profile guy such as Billups to be one of their guys? Because there’s plenty more games — poker or basketball — to fix. 

But my outrage is aimed at those who bought in despite knowing better — a lot better. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at a news conference during the NFL owners meetings, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in New York.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at a news conference during the NFL owners meetings, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in New York. AP
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media following the Board of Governors meetings on September 10, 2025 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media following the Board of Governors meetings on September 10, 2025 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. NBAE via Getty Images
Mike Greenberg.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is seen on the field before the start of Game 4 of baseball's American League Division Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Detroit.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is seen on the field before the start of Game 4 of baseball’s American League Division Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Detroit. AP
Ippei Mizuhara arrives for his sentencing at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana, California, on February 6, 2025.
Ippei Mizuhara arrives for his sentencing at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana, California, on February 6, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson 'The Rock' pose for photo on the Fan Event to presents 'La Máquina - The Smashing Machine' at Parque Toreo on October 7, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson ‘The Rock’ pose for photo on the Fan Event to presents ‘La Máquina – The Smashing Machine’ at Parque Toreo on October 7, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Getty Images
Broadcasters Tom Brady (R) and Kevin Burkhardt (L) speak on the field as players warm up before the game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Broadcasters Tom Brady (R) and Kevin Burkhardt (L) speak on the field as players warm up before the game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images

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