If you are reading this article looking for details on the current point-shaving scandal in Men’s College Basketball, you won’t find them here. I am simply here to ask the question: Is anyone really surprised this happened? I feel like some people are either naive, believing these things don’t happen, or ignorant of the situation. Didn’t we all take note when Coach Pete Bell at Western University found out that his star player, Tony, had taken money for shaving during his early college career? Of course, I am talking about the movie Blue Chips, but still.

Point-Shaving is Quite the Gamble

So are we really shocked that over 39 current and former college athletes, spanning 17 schools (shout out Eastern Michigan Eagles) or so, were caught in a point-shaving scandal? Anyone, anyone? Sports betting is more popular than ever before! I’ve said before, nicotine addicts can find cigarettes without advertising; do you think gamblers can’t find their books?

As a veteran gambler (check the bio), I love betting on sports. Sometimes it’s hard to even watch a game without putting some action into it. So I get it, but I’ve been saying this since sports betting has become more available, literally at your fingertips, we don’t need it everywhere! Every thirty seconds, you see Jamie Foxx or insert your favorite celebrity in here, for one sportsbook or another.

On top of that, the broadcast is giving us degenerates live spreads or player props like were taking our daily medicine. They are literally shoving it down the consumer’s throat, grooming our children to be the next “Ace” Rothstein. Hey, maybe you’ll get that “f** you” money, but I doubt it.

So, Again Are You Really Surprised?

So you may be asking yourself, why is this dumb** talking about sports betting commercials and all that? Well, I’ll explain. The point-shaving scandal involved young college athletes, probably ranging from ages 18-22 (unless you’re Van Wilder entering the transfer portal for the 4th time). In 2018, the Supreme Court legalized sports betting nationwide.

These kids, for close to a third of their lives, have been hearing how cool sports betting is. And it is, as long as you do it responsibly. I mean, I’m not calling the hotline any time soon, and that’s not a flex on people who need the number.

So, when you look at it like that, are you shocked this happened? We have flashy lit casino ads playing every thirty seconds during a sporting event. We’re all going to win, right? I’m sorry to inform you, but they don’t seem to be tearing down any casinos in the desert!

Point-shaving isn’t anything new. It dates back to the ’50s, a few years before Marty McFly’s arrival. And now with the availability of the player props, I am not surprised when someone who averages 32 points goes for 11, crushing the under and not covering the spread. How can anyone be surprised by this?

Final Thoughts

Due to my beautiful girlfriend being South Korean, I’ve been listening to some Wu-Tang Clan lately. Like they always say, “cash rules everything around me, cream get the money, dolla dolla bill ya.” So, when you ask me if I was shocked that a bunch of young adults with the chance of making some serious fast cash got caught up in the mix?

Absolutely not! You bred and groomed them for this like a predator. You shoved the gambling down their throats since they were 10-14 years old. They made a bad decision for the point-shaving, and so did Mr. “Big Shot!” At least you can’t do something stupid like buying a BetMGM gift card for a closeted gambling addict for Christmas at Target. Oh, wait, you can!

National Problem Gambling Helpline

1-800-522-4700