![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/michael_jordan.png\")
Michael Jordan\u2019s Early Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGambling<\/a> seems to have always been a part of Michael Jordan\u2019s life, with evidence from biographies (including Roland Lazenby\u2019s Michael Jordan: The Life)<\/em> that he was gambling as early as high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn college, there is also evidence that he was wagering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a $5 check written by MJ in 1982 to a fellow student for losing a pool game shows us that betting was a feature of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are stories of him betting during practice with his teammates and coaching staff \u2013 but in small amounts that weren\u2019t likely to break the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional Career<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBy the time he joined the NBA, he wasn\u2019t betting small amounts. He was known to play with the high rollers in the Bulls camp and frequently played cards with beat writers while on road trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He even had a rolling bet with staff at the Chicago Stadium: He would bet on the Jumbotron cartoon races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wasn\u2019t afraid of a little bet-rigging either, as he would always receive the outcome of the Jumbotron races from event staff before gameday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another story of him using questionable methods to win a bet occurred when the Bulls were heading to Portland. After disembarking, Chicago players waited for their luggage, and MJ bet $100 on his bag coming out first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several teammates took the bet, and he laughed as his bag rolled out first. He collected the money but hadn\u2019t told his teammates that he\u2019d bribed the baggage handler to help him out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael Jordan gambling was a common sight in the Chicago Bulls clubhouse, and he was a frequent bettor on his teammate\u2019s high rollers table. His bets were a pivotal part of some of his most iconic moments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example is his famous shrug after scoring his sixth three-pointer of the first quarter in the 1992 NBA Finals Game 1. Fans thought that it was a simple flex at his extraordinary ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nope. He was shrugging at Magic Johnson in the crowd because Magic had beaten him at cards the night before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was also willing to take his habit anywhere he could find a game to play. In 1992, he was selected as part of the \u201cDream Team\u201d preparing for the 1992 Summer Olympics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team went to Monaco, home of the Monte Carlo Casino, amounting to a paradise for Michael Jordan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He built a rolling late-night card game with major basketball stars like Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cazzaro_Jordan.jpeg\")
Image: Gapvenezia\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nGambling Controversies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMJ was embroiled in controversy soon after his return from Olympic duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was forced to testify in February 1993 over a $57,000 check to James \u201cSlim\u201d Boulder, a gambler and alleged drug dealer. The courts sentenced Boulder to nine years in prison over money laundering<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite trying to argue that the check was for a business loan, he admitted that it was gambling debt accrued from games on the golf course when under oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another golfing partner claimed he owed him $1.3 million but later settled for $300,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After these controversies, his biggest scandal would fall when basketball fans spotted him in Atlantic City during the 1993 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of this, his testimony in February, and the allegation that he owed $1.3 million in golf gambling debts made the scandal much greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It affected him on the court as well \u2013 the Bulls lost the game the following night, and his 3-for-18 shooting was uncharacteristically cold in Game 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NBA decided to investigate the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father\u2019s Murder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe tragic death of his father just a few weeks later, in July 1993, spurred rumors of the connection between Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling losses and his dad\u2019s death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Orange County Register<\/em>, Mark Whicker said, \u201cFor now, we just know that there is evidence of the son\u2019s gambling problem, and there is suspicion of a son\u2019s paying problem, the father of that son has been murdered. Coincidence, anyone?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that many people debunked this myth, and the murder was a random attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His first retirement, in October, added more fuel to the fire. When asked whether he would ever return, MJ said he might \u201cif the Bulls would have me, [and] if David Stern [NBA Commissioner] lets me back in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This choice of words was suspicious, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speculation began to emerge that Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling problem was the real reason he was suspended, not due to the loss of his love for the game, as he had implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite this, many reasons exist to take what MJ said at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was emotionally drained after the death of his father, the concept of the NBA secretly suspending its most valuable player and brand is ridiculous, and the idea that the NBA would want Jordan to step away from the game is highly questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement wasn\u2019t the only option for a player with a gambling problem leading to a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two reasons stand above the rest when trying to debunk the \u201csecret suspension\u201d myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, David Stern flatly denied that the NBA had anything to do with MJ\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs far as the NBA is concerned,\u201d Stern insisted, \u201cMichael Jordan did nothing wrong, and I resent any implications to the contrary.\u201d The league closed its investigation into Jordan two days after he announced he was retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve his candidacy as principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before approval, new owners are subject to in-depth vetting, including their financial, personal, and business dealings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any worries about his gambling would have seen his prospective ownership quashed by fellow NBA owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he was approved unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gambling And Professional Sports<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor some context on how his gambling was perceived at the time, it\u2019s also worthwhile thinking about the status of gambling when Jordan\u2019s stories broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people viewed gambling as a nefarious activity linked to the underworld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rose Scandal<\/a>, where Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose had bet on thousands of MLB games while coaching, rocked Major League Baseball. The MLB banned him for life in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Michael-Jordan-1.jpeg\")
Image: shgmom56\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
In college, there is also evidence that he was wagering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a $5 check written by MJ in 1982 to a fellow student for losing a pool game shows us that betting was a feature of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are stories of him betting during practice with his teammates and coaching staff \u2013 but in small amounts that weren\u2019t likely to break the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional Career<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBy the time he joined the NBA, he wasn\u2019t betting small amounts. He was known to play with the high rollers in the Bulls camp and frequently played cards with beat writers while on road trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He even had a rolling bet with staff at the Chicago Stadium: He would bet on the Jumbotron cartoon races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He wasn\u2019t afraid of a little bet-rigging either, as he would always receive the outcome of the Jumbotron races from event staff before gameday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another story of him using questionable methods to win a bet occurred when the Bulls were heading to Portland. After disembarking, Chicago players waited for their luggage, and MJ bet $100 on his bag coming out first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several teammates took the bet, and he laughed as his bag rolled out first. He collected the money but hadn\u2019t told his teammates that he\u2019d bribed the baggage handler to help him out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael Jordan gambling was a common sight in the Chicago Bulls clubhouse, and he was a frequent bettor on his teammate\u2019s high rollers table. His bets were a pivotal part of some of his most iconic moments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example is his famous shrug after scoring his sixth three-pointer of the first quarter in the 1992 NBA Finals Game 1. Fans thought that it was a simple flex at his extraordinary ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nope. He was shrugging at Magic Johnson in the crowd because Magic had beaten him at cards the night before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was also willing to take his habit anywhere he could find a game to play. In 1992, he was selected as part of the \u201cDream Team\u201d preparing for the 1992 Summer Olympics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team went to Monaco, home of the Monte Carlo Casino, amounting to a paradise for Michael Jordan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He built a rolling late-night card game with major basketball stars like Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nImage: Gapvenezia\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nGambling Controversies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMJ was embroiled in controversy soon after his return from Olympic duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was forced to testify in February 1993 over a $57,000 check to James \u201cSlim\u201d Boulder, a gambler and alleged drug dealer. The courts sentenced Boulder to nine years in prison over money laundering<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite trying to argue that the check was for a business loan, he admitted that it was gambling debt accrued from games on the golf course when under oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another golfing partner claimed he owed him $1.3 million but later settled for $300,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After these controversies, his biggest scandal would fall when basketball fans spotted him in Atlantic City during the 1993 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of this, his testimony in February, and the allegation that he owed $1.3 million in golf gambling debts made the scandal much greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It affected him on the court as well \u2013 the Bulls lost the game the following night, and his 3-for-18 shooting was uncharacteristically cold in Game 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NBA decided to investigate the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father\u2019s Murder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe tragic death of his father just a few weeks later, in July 1993, spurred rumors of the connection between Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling losses and his dad\u2019s death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Orange County Register<\/em>, Mark Whicker said, \u201cFor now, we just know that there is evidence of the son\u2019s gambling problem, and there is suspicion of a son\u2019s paying problem, the father of that son has been murdered. Coincidence, anyone?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that many people debunked this myth, and the murder was a random attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His first retirement, in October, added more fuel to the fire. When asked whether he would ever return, MJ said he might \u201cif the Bulls would have me, [and] if David Stern [NBA Commissioner] lets me back in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This choice of words was suspicious, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speculation began to emerge that Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling problem was the real reason he was suspended, not due to the loss of his love for the game, as he had implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite this, many reasons exist to take what MJ said at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was emotionally drained after the death of his father, the concept of the NBA secretly suspending its most valuable player and brand is ridiculous, and the idea that the NBA would want Jordan to step away from the game is highly questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement wasn\u2019t the only option for a player with a gambling problem leading to a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two reasons stand above the rest when trying to debunk the \u201csecret suspension\u201d myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, David Stern flatly denied that the NBA had anything to do with MJ\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs far as the NBA is concerned,\u201d Stern insisted, \u201cMichael Jordan did nothing wrong, and I resent any implications to the contrary.\u201d The league closed its investigation into Jordan two days after he announced he was retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve his candidacy as principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before approval, new owners are subject to in-depth vetting, including their financial, personal, and business dealings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any worries about his gambling would have seen his prospective ownership quashed by fellow NBA owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he was approved unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gambling And Professional Sports<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor some context on how his gambling was perceived at the time, it\u2019s also worthwhile thinking about the status of gambling when Jordan\u2019s stories broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people viewed gambling as a nefarious activity linked to the underworld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rose Scandal<\/a>, where Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose had bet on thousands of MLB games while coaching, rocked Major League Baseball. The MLB banned him for life in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage: shgmom56\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Gambling Controversies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMJ was embroiled in controversy soon after his return from Olympic duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was forced to testify in February 1993 over a $57,000 check to James \u201cSlim\u201d Boulder, a gambler and alleged drug dealer. The courts sentenced Boulder to nine years in prison over money laundering<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite trying to argue that the check was for a business loan, he admitted that it was gambling debt accrued from games on the golf course when under oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another golfing partner claimed he owed him $1.3 million but later settled for $300,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After these controversies, his biggest scandal would fall when basketball fans spotted him in Atlantic City during the 1993 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of this, his testimony in February, and the allegation that he owed $1.3 million in golf gambling debts made the scandal much greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It affected him on the court as well \u2013 the Bulls lost the game the following night, and his 3-for-18 shooting was uncharacteristically cold in Game 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NBA decided to investigate the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father\u2019s Murder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe tragic death of his father just a few weeks later, in July 1993, spurred rumors of the connection between Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling losses and his dad\u2019s death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Orange County Register<\/em>, Mark Whicker said, \u201cFor now, we just know that there is evidence of the son\u2019s gambling problem, and there is suspicion of a son\u2019s paying problem, the father of that son has been murdered. Coincidence, anyone?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that many people debunked this myth, and the murder was a random attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His first retirement, in October, added more fuel to the fire. When asked whether he would ever return, MJ said he might \u201cif the Bulls would have me, [and] if David Stern [NBA Commissioner] lets me back in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This choice of words was suspicious, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speculation began to emerge that Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling problem was the real reason he was suspended, not due to the loss of his love for the game, as he had implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite this, many reasons exist to take what MJ said at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was emotionally drained after the death of his father, the concept of the NBA secretly suspending its most valuable player and brand is ridiculous, and the idea that the NBA would want Jordan to step away from the game is highly questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement wasn\u2019t the only option for a player with a gambling problem leading to a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two reasons stand above the rest when trying to debunk the \u201csecret suspension\u201d myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, David Stern flatly denied that the NBA had anything to do with MJ\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs far as the NBA is concerned,\u201d Stern insisted, \u201cMichael Jordan did nothing wrong, and I resent any implications to the contrary.\u201d The league closed its investigation into Jordan two days after he announced he was retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve his candidacy as principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before approval, new owners are subject to in-depth vetting, including their financial, personal, and business dealings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any worries about his gambling would have seen his prospective ownership quashed by fellow NBA owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he was approved unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gambling And Professional Sports<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor some context on how his gambling was perceived at the time, it\u2019s also worthwhile thinking about the status of gambling when Jordan\u2019s stories broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people viewed gambling as a nefarious activity linked to the underworld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rose Scandal<\/a>, where Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose had bet on thousands of MLB games while coaching, rocked Major League Baseball. The MLB banned him for life in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage: shgmom56\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Despite trying to argue that the check was for a business loan, he admitted that it was gambling debt accrued from games on the golf course when under oath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another golfing partner claimed he owed him $1.3 million but later settled for $300,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After these controversies, his biggest scandal would fall when basketball fans spotted him in Atlantic City during the 1993 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of this, his testimony in February, and the allegation that he owed $1.3 million in golf gambling debts made the scandal much greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It affected him on the court as well \u2013 the Bulls lost the game the following night, and his 3-for-18 shooting was uncharacteristically cold in Game 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NBA decided to investigate the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Father\u2019s Murder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe tragic death of his father just a few weeks later, in July 1993, spurred rumors of the connection between Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling losses and his dad\u2019s death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Orange County Register<\/em>, Mark Whicker said, \u201cFor now, we just know that there is evidence of the son\u2019s gambling problem, and there is suspicion of a son\u2019s paying problem, the father of that son has been murdered. Coincidence, anyone?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that many people debunked this myth, and the murder was a random attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His first retirement, in October, added more fuel to the fire. When asked whether he would ever return, MJ said he might \u201cif the Bulls would have me, [and] if David Stern [NBA Commissioner] lets me back in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This choice of words was suspicious, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speculation began to emerge that Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling problem was the real reason he was suspended, not due to the loss of his love for the game, as he had implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite this, many reasons exist to take what MJ said at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was emotionally drained after the death of his father, the concept of the NBA secretly suspending its most valuable player and brand is ridiculous, and the idea that the NBA would want Jordan to step away from the game is highly questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement wasn\u2019t the only option for a player with a gambling problem leading to a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two reasons stand above the rest when trying to debunk the \u201csecret suspension\u201d myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, David Stern flatly denied that the NBA had anything to do with MJ\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs far as the NBA is concerned,\u201d Stern insisted, \u201cMichael Jordan did nothing wrong, and I resent any implications to the contrary.\u201d The league closed its investigation into Jordan two days after he announced he was retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve his candidacy as principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before approval, new owners are subject to in-depth vetting, including their financial, personal, and business dealings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any worries about his gambling would have seen his prospective ownership quashed by fellow NBA owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he was approved unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gambling And Professional Sports<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor some context on how his gambling was perceived at the time, it\u2019s also worthwhile thinking about the status of gambling when Jordan\u2019s stories broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people viewed gambling as a nefarious activity linked to the underworld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rose Scandal<\/a>, where Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose had bet on thousands of MLB games while coaching, rocked Major League Baseball. The MLB banned him for life in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage: shgmom56\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
It is important to note that many people debunked this myth, and the murder was a random attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His first retirement, in October, added more fuel to the fire. When asked whether he would ever return, MJ said he might \u201cif the Bulls would have me, [and] if David Stern [NBA Commissioner] lets me back in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This choice of words was suspicious, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speculation began to emerge that Michael Jordan\u2019s gambling problem was the real reason he was suspended, not due to the loss of his love for the game, as he had implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite this, many reasons exist to take what MJ said at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was emotionally drained after the death of his father, the concept of the NBA secretly suspending its most valuable player and brand is ridiculous, and the idea that the NBA would want Jordan to step away from the game is highly questionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement wasn\u2019t the only option for a player with a gambling problem leading to a suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two reasons stand above the rest when trying to debunk the \u201csecret suspension\u201d myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, David Stern flatly denied that the NBA had anything to do with MJ\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs far as the NBA is concerned,\u201d Stern insisted, \u201cMichael Jordan did nothing wrong, and I resent any implications to the contrary.\u201d The league closed its investigation into Jordan two days after he announced he was retiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve his candidacy as principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before approval, new owners are subject to in-depth vetting, including their financial, personal, and business dealings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any worries about his gambling would have seen his prospective ownership quashed by fellow NBA owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, he was approved unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gambling And Professional Sports<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor some context on how his gambling was perceived at the time, it\u2019s also worthwhile thinking about the status of gambling when Jordan\u2019s stories broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people viewed gambling as a nefarious activity linked to the underworld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rose Scandal<\/a>, where Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose had bet on thousands of MLB games while coaching, rocked Major League Baseball. The MLB banned him for life in 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage: shgmom56\/Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Similar scandals rocked the NFL and College Basketball during the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major leagues subsequently lobbied lawmakers to pass the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which made sports betting illegal in 46 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n