Full Truth About BC Points-Shaving Scandal Still Unknown

If we simplify the story, it could be described as follows: A group of college basketball players played a vital role in dismantling a dangerous gangster.

Is the reverse also true? Even after forty-four years, the complete truth behind the Boston College points-shaving scandal remains elusive.

For any retelling of the BC points-shaving scandal, a complimentary CharlieCard should be included, as the story is packed with intricate plot twists, rivaling the complexity of the city’s T system.

As Massachusetts residents excitedly anticipate the legalization of sports betting on March 10th, it is worth reflecting on the scandal from the late 1970s that intertwined gamblers, mobsters, and student-athletes.

What happened?

Attempting to neatly summarize this story seems pointless, but we will make an effort.

After encountering each other behind bars, a mobster and a drug dealer developed a lasting bond that extended beyond their time in prison. Paul Mazzei, the drug dealer, took it upon himself to introduce his fellow inmate, Henry Hill, to his associate, Tony Perla. Tony, along with his brother Rocco, were heavily involved in illegal gambling operations. In search of additional help, the Perla brothers considered involving their old high school acquaintance, who they believed could use some extra cash.

Introducing Rick Kuhn, a skilled senior forward representing the Boston College basketball team in the 1978-79 season. Mazzei, Hill, and the Perlas strategized a scheme to deceive bookies, ensuring players wouldn’t have to deliberately lose games. Their approach involved manipulating points to secure victories while still covering the spread.

Suppose the Eagles were favored by 10 points; the mobsters would expect the players they bribed to ensure that the team won by a margin of nine points or fewer. By placing bets on the underdog, they would secure victories and profit from the points, while the players continued to deliver wins for their team.

However, there are no guarantees in sports. The leaders understood that relying on just one player would not guarantee the desired outcome.

More players: More money or more problems?

Drawing inspiration from Kuhn’s tactics, the group successfully convinced point guard Jim Sweeney to join their ranks. Unlike Kuhn, Sweeney possessed a polished and respectable reputation. Subsequently, the eclectic bunch managed to lure in Ernie Cobb, Boston College’s top scorer. Presently, both Sweeney and Cobb openly acknowledge accepting monetary compensation but claim minimal involvement in the illicit activities.

Bookmakers from the East Coast were also part of the affair. In order to accommodate the gambling gangsters, who were said to have limited wagers of $25,000, it was necessary to disperse the bets.

Absolutely! Let’s not overlook the influential figures who provide financial support. Imagine Ray Liotta’s character in “Goodfellas” answering to Robert DeNiro’s character in the movie. Surprisingly enough, that scenario actually occurred.

Regrettably, Liotta, known for his outstanding performances in “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” among other films, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67.

Liotta portrayed Hill and DeNiro portrayed Jimmy Conway in the film. Conway’s character was inspired by Hill’s actual mob associate Jimmy Burke. Despite being of Irish descent, Burke was never officially inducted into the Lucchese crime family of New York, but he worked closely with them as an associate. Eventually, Burke and his crew rose to become the leaders of the scheme.

The scandal’s specifics are still unclear. Was it initiated by a defeat on December 6, 1978, when Boston College convincingly defeated Providence, 83-64, resulting in losses for the gamblers? According to one account by Hill, that game sparked Cobb’s recruitment. However, another version suggests that the manipulation started with a significant victory for the wise guys. In this scenario, Boston College, with a 12-point advantage, narrowly triumphed over Harvard by three points, 86-83.

There is no doubt about it: The scheme was unsuccessful.

The fallout

During the period when the points-shaving scandal was taking place, another significant crime occurred that year. On December 11, 1978, a staggering amount of nearly $6 million in cash and $875,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from John F. Kennedy International Airport. It was believed that Burke played a leading role in orchestrating this heist, which was the largest ever to occur on American soil at the time. Despite this, he was never officially accused or charged for his involvement.

In 1980, Hill was arrested for drug trafficking, initiating his involvement in providing information to the authorities. During a discussion with law enforcement, he casually brought up the Boston College scheme. He frequently expressed his belief that manipulating game scores, in comparison to their other illicit activities, seemed insignificant and hardly criminal.

The law enforcement officials were filled with joy as they finally achieved the desired outcome. Despite actively pursuing charges against Burke for various offenses, it was his conviction for manipulating basketball games that resulted in a 20-year imprisonment, ultimately leading to his demise from cancer in 1996. On the other hand, Hill, who had entered witness protection, unfortunately, passed away in 2012 due to a heart attack.

Check out the top Massachusetts sports betting promotions coming in March.

We probably won’t ever know the whole truth

Kuhn, Mazzei, and Tony Perla received 10-year prison sentences upon conviction. Rocco Perla was sentenced to four years, while Kuhn was released after serving 28 months. Fortunately, Cobb was eventually exonerated and Sweeney was never implicated or charged.

The narratives provided by the participants during different interviews have displayed inconsistencies and contradictions. According to reports, Kuhn supposedly earned $2,500 for each job. Sweeney, on the other hand, reportedly accepted only one envelope containing $500, yet he maintains that he was not actively involved in the activities. However, Kuhn and Hill assert that Sweeney is not telling the truth. Cobb claims to have received $1,000 in an envelope but admits to being unsure of its purpose.

In ESPN’s “Playing for the Mob,” a 30 for 30 documentary presented with Liotta’s narration, interviews were conducted with all the surviving individuals involved, such as former coaches and law enforcement officials. They unanimously express the challenge of distinguishing between intentional muffed plays and genuine errors when observing the games.

How legal markets can help stop scandals like this 

There is a clear lesson to be learned from this situation: Crime does not yield any rewards. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid engaging in any business dealings with individuals associated with organized crime.

Those who oppose the legalization of college sports betting claim that implementing regulations would promote reckless gambling habits and potentially lead to scandals similar to the BC incident.

Supporters contend that the implementation of legal and regulated sports betting would effectively decrease the likelihood of a recurrence of a scandal similar to the BC scandal. The introduction of additional regulations and laws would lead to heightened scrutiny of every game. Furthermore, the inclusion of more authorized operators would offer bettors alternative options, eliminating the need to gamble their money with illicit and potentially hazardous bookmakers.

In order to safeguard individuals struggling with gambling addictions, regulated operators implement safety measures.

In general, increased legality enhances transparency and poses challenges for those involved in dubious activities to conceal their actions.

Particularly individuals who, since their earliest memories, have harbored an unwavering desire to become a gangster.