Knicks Legend Bill Bradley: Legal Gambling is 'Scandal Waiting to Happen'
Money talks and Bill Bradley doesn't like the conversation.
In a wide-ranging interview with veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, the New York Knicks-legend-turned-politician expressed respect for the modern game, lauding the "maximum player and ball movement (that) requires unselfishness." Bradley, however, isn't pleased with the way that gambling has infiltrated upon its legalization.
"I don't think players should be turned into roulette chips," Bradley told Stein. "It's a scandal waiting to happen. There will always be gambling around the edges, but to legitimize it as a central part of the sport is counter to the values of the game."
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Sports gambling is currently legalized in 38 of 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. The NBA and its professional sports counterparts and media partners have gone with the flow to the tune of forming partnerships with numerous gaming companies. Other innovations include gaming-tailored broadcasts, some of which can be seen on the Knicks' MSG Network for select games. Despite the potential profit behind such partnerships, some, like Bradley believe they could eat away at the integrity of the game.
Bradley certainly isn't alone in his opinion that legalization could have negative aftershocks: Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert was charged with a $100,000 fine for implying that officials intentionally fixed a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month. Gobert made "money" gestures at officials during the overtime loss and doubled down on his implications in the aftermath.
"Referees make mistakes, too. Sometimes I think it's more than mistakes and I'm going to stay at that," Gobert said, per Joe Nelson of All Timberwolves. "I'll bite the bullet again. I'll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth ... I'll take the fine, but I think it's hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way."
Bradley would certainly know the legislative aspects of legalizing gambling: following his 12 years with the Knicks, Bradley served 18 years (1979-97) as a United States Senator (representing New Jersey) and later made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination for the 2000 election.
