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How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed the Game of Basketball: The Untold Story

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The Wizard of Odds: How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed the Game of Basketball

by Charley Rosen

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1408 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

Jack Molinas was a man with a dream. He dreamed of making a name for himself in the world of basketball. But his dream would soon turn into a nightmare, as he became embroiled in a scandal that would nearly destroy the game of basketball.

Molinas' Early Life and Career

Jack Molinas was born in New York City in 1930. He grew up in a poor family and had to work hard to make ends meet. But he had a natural talent for basketball, and he soon began to make a name for himself on the playgrounds of the city.

In 1948, Molinas received a scholarship to play basketball at the College of the City of New York (CCNY). He quickly became one of the best players on the team, and he helped lead the Beavers to a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1950.

After graduating from CCNY, Molinas was drafted into the NBA by the New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks for two seasons, but he never became a star. In 1954, he was traded to the Baltimore Bullets, where he played for another two seasons.

Molinas' Involvement in Point Shaving

In 1956, Molinas was approached by a gambler named Harry Fein. Fein offered Molinas money to shave points in basketball games. Molinas was initially hesitant, but he eventually agreed to Fein's proposal.

Point shaving is a form of gambling in which a player agrees to lose a game by a certain number of points. This allows the gambler to make money by betting on the other team.

Molinas began shaving points in games for the Bullets. He would often score fewer points than he was capable of, and he would sometimes miss easy shots. As a result, the Bullets began to lose games that they should have won.

The Point Shaving Scandal

In 1957, the point shaving scandal broke wide open. A grand jury was convened to investigate the allegations of point shaving, and Molinas was one of the first players to be called to testify.

Molinas initially denied any involvement in point shaving. But when he was confronted with evidence of his wrongng, he confessed to the grand jury.

The point shaving scandal rocked the world of basketball. The NCAA was forced to cancel the 1957 NCAA Tournament, and several players were banned from the game.

Molinas was one of the players who was banned from basketball. He never played another professional game.

The Aftermath of the Scandal

The point shaving scandal had a profound impact on the game of basketball. The NCAA was forced to implement new rules to prevent point shaving from happening again.

Molinas' involvement in the scandal also tarnished the reputation of the game. Fans lost trust in the players, and the game's popularity began to decline.

It took many years for basketball to recover from the point shaving scandal. But the game eventually rebounded, and it is now one of the most popular sports in the world.

Jack Molinas' Legacy

Jack Molinas' legacy is a cautionary tale. It is a reminder that even the most talented players can be corrupted by gambling.

Molinas' story is also a reminder that the game of basketball is bigger than any one player. The game has survived many scandals over the years, and it will continue to thrive long after Molinas is forgotten.

Jack Molinas was a talented basketball player who nearly destroyed the game he loved. His involvement in the point shaving scandal was a dark chapter in the history of the game.

But the game of basketball has survived Molinas' betrayal. The game is now stronger than ever, and it continues to bring joy to millions of people around the world.

Jack Molinas Playing Basketball For The CCNY Beavers. The Wizard Of Odds: How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed The Game Of Basketball