GAMBLING

Gambling and sports do not mix...or do they? The current probe of an NBA referee's ties to gambling is causing an earthquake in the sports world. The foundation of that sport is being shaken.

Major sports go to every extreme to avoid direct contact with gamblers, gambling, and gambling establishments. Gamblers within the game like Pete Rose are never forgiven. Drug users, wife beaters and felons of all kinds are forgiven, but not gamblers.

Those who control professional sports do not dare have their game put on the same level as professional wrestling. Fans cannot think that the outcome of a game is predetermined or even that the margin of victory is being modified. And, why is this? Because gamblers would stop gambling on their sport. As much as they hate gambling within the game, they know that gambling on the outside of the game goes toward its popularity. Professional football has surpassed baseball in popularity in our country partly because it is easier and more interesting for the bettor. The NFL forces its teams to publish injury reports in a timely and accurate manner so that no gambler has an advantage over another. The NFL promotes fantasy leagues to ensure a new crop of gamblers is being developed at all times. Those who run our professional sports leagues are smart business people.

This year, for the first time, the National Basketball Association held its annual All-Star weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, the capital of gambling in the US. Who do they think they are kidding and who is sorry now?