On the TunneySide of Sports August 30, 2021 #863 Up next… Wanna Bet?
After further review… Gambling in sports always has been and always will be. Surely, it was 8-5 that Adam would take a bite out of that apple in the Garden of Eden! The “fall” was predictable and so is gambling. The recent issue of Sports Illustrated (Vol. 132 No. 9) led with the title “Wanna Bet?” with subtitles “Legal. Mobile. Mainstream. The Sports Wagering Boom is Here.”
In 2021 wagering on sports is booming. Wagering in sports has been – and according to S.I. will be here forever. There’s no record of it being (facetiously) started in the Garden of Eden, but one must consider it did not long after.
Wagering on anything is said to be of a competitive nature, As the old song says, “Anything you can do, I can do better” A song by Irving Berlin from “Annie Get Your Gun.” Even Annie Oakley had a competitive nature. We all want to do better and when challenged, we tend to respond. Gambling is a challenge.
Gambling is not necessarily inherent, but once we get addicted to it, is hard to discard. Surely, each of us has bought a lottery ticket or bet on a horse – haven’t you? So many sports fans bet on their favorite team. Even players bet on their team or others – it’s our competitive soul. Or maybe it’s just fun to see if you can win. Perhaps those were the intentions of Paul Hornung (Green Bay Packers) and Alex Karras (Detroit Lions) who were suspended in 1963 by (then) NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Both said their bets were with friends. Their suspensions issued were indefinite without pay, yet the commissioner reinstated them after one year. Both are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
At one time NFL game officials were not allowed, during the NFL season, to even be in Las Vegas. Now the NFL – as well as the NHL – have teams in “Sin City” – so now officials are required to be there.
The climate today is more serious than some six decades ago. While players then received mail and phone calls to offer bribes, today’s social media puts them under constant pressure with money offers. Another difference is that some 60 years ago, salaries were minimal compared to today’s multi-million-dollar contracts. However, the offers come. Game officials are under the same scrutiny. Please allow me to offer: as a former on-field NFL game official for 31-years note that we have never had any – not one – NFL game official convicted, nor even accused, of bribery! It’s an issue of integrity!
Will you use personal caution in betting on sports games?
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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. A special July 4th offer (I know it’s over) Bobblehead for $30. (tax and shipping included) and one book of your choice.
To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
