Pablo Torre Finds Out The Sporting Class: How to Handle a Gambling Scandal
Oct 28, 2025
David Samson, former president of the Miami Marlins, and John Skipper, ex-president of ESPN, dive deep into the murky waters of sports and gambling. They explore why millionaires might risk it all on bets and how teams navigate gambling scandals. The duo discusses the psychological aspects of wealthy athletes gambling and the implications of legalized sports betting for integrity and detection. They even touch on the WNBA's labor disputes and the historical mystery of the Montreal Expos' downfall. A must-listen for sports enthusiasts!
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Gambling Rules Are Deeply Embedded
- Gambling risks have long been embedded in sports culture and teams routinely read anti-gambling rules to players before seasons.
- Baseball enforces a strict prohibition post-Pete Rose that extends beyond just betting on baseball games.
When A New Acquisition Was Flagged
- David Samson recounts acquiring pitcher Jared Cosart and being told afterward that MLB had investigated him for illegal gambling.
- Cosart was fined, cooperated, and faced no team discipline because league appeals were already complete.
Prop Bets Magnify Inside-Information Value
- The explosion of micro and prop betting created markets for hyper-specific outcomes that didn't exist a decade ago.
- That liquidity and precision make inside information on injuries or playing time far more actionable and valuable.
