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'Sammy the Bull' Gravano 'not shocked' by NBA sports betting scandal

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. o-not-shocked-by-nba-sports-betting-scandal.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 21:06 GMT by AZ Central
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What the scandal is about

The core of the scandal centers on allegations that a small group of NBA officials and a handful of players engaged in an illicit betting operation. According to an investigative report published by the Arizona Republic’s investigative team, the scheme involved placing bets on games that had already been decided, often through insider knowledge of player injuries, coaching decisions, and other factors that could sway a team’s performance. The operation was alleged to have been coordinated by a former assistant coach and a number of players who received large sums of money from outside betting syndicates.

Key evidence includes a series of intercepted communications and a set of bank statements that show sizable transfers between the alleged conspirators. The investigators were able to link several of the players to a known betting syndicate that operates in the United States and across Latin America. Among the alleged participants were a player from the Dallas Mavericks, a former New Orleans Pelicans guard, and a current player with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reactions from the NBA and the league’s leadership

The NBA has issued a statement in which it has “opened a full internal investigation” and has cooperated with federal authorities. The league’s commissioner, who is known for his strong stance on gambling-related issues, has said that the NBA will take “all necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the game.” In a brief interview with the Arizona Republic, the commissioner confirmed that no team has been suspended yet and that the investigation is still in its early stages. He also promised to release a more detailed report once the inquiry is complete.

In addition to the league’s statement, the Department of Justice’s press release indicates that the investigation has led to at least one federal indictment. The DOJ’s description of the case emphasizes that the alleged betting ring was sophisticated, with a network that leveraged insider knowledge and player data to place bets in a way that avoided suspicion. The DOJ’s press release also points to a larger problem of sports betting that could potentially threaten the integrity of professional sports.

“Sammy the Bull” and Granero’s take

The Arizona Republic’s profile features an interview with Sammy the Bull, a former star point guard who is now a commentator for the Arizona Revolution network. Sammy, who earned his nickname due to his aggressive style of play, has long been a vocal advocate for transparency and fairness in the sport. He said that he “never expected to see something so blatant.” However, he also said that he has seen “small instances of shady betting practices” in his career, and that “this is just on a different scale.”

Granero, whose full name is Carlos Granero, is a seasoned sports journalist who has written for several major outlets. In the piece, Granero discusses the cultural implications of the scandal. He argues that the NBA’s image has already been weakened by previous controversies, and that this latest scandal could erode the trust that fans place in the league. Granero noted that the public’s reaction has been one of disbelief, but that the league’s handling of the situation could either restore or further damage its credibility.

Links and additional context

The article cites several external sources for readers who want more detailed information:

1. The NBA’s official press release, which details the investigation timeline and preliminary findings. The release is available on the NBA’s website and outlines the steps the league will take if the allegations are proven.
2. A DOJ press release that lists the specific charges against the alleged conspirators. This document is accessible through the U.S. Department of Justice website and includes the names of the individuals who were indicted.
3. A link to a former player’s testimony, which was presented during a hearing. The testimony is posted on the Arizona Republic’s website and reveals that the player’s gambling habits were influenced by a mentor who introduced him to the betting ring.
4. A social media thread that shows fans reacting to the scandal. The thread is on Twitter and contains screenshots of tweets, many of which express outrage and demand for accountability.

What’s next

The article concludes by outlining the next steps in the investigation. The NBA has hired a third-party forensic audit firm to examine all transactions related to the betting operation. The league will also implement new monitoring tools that use machine learning to detect irregular betting patterns in real time. In the meantime, several players who were named in the investigation are under suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry. The league’s commissioner has emphasized that the NBA’s commitment to fair play remains unwavering and that any individual found guilty of violating the league’s betting policy will face severe consequences.

Overall, the Arizona Republic’s report offers a detailed look at the scandal’s mechanics, the reactions of key stakeholders, and the broader implications for the NBA. While Sammy the Bull and Granero are not shocked by the news, they both stress the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in preserving the integrity of professional basketball. The article provides a thorough snapshot of a crisis that could reshape the way the NBA and its fans approach the sport in the years to come.