Against the Rules · October 1, 2024 · 34m

Episode 2: Values of the Game

Bill Bradley’s journey from Princeton basketball star to NBA icon and US Senator embodies a tension between personal virtue and systemic vice. He attempted to outlaw sports betting with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, while illegal gambling thrived in his home state. This episode explores the limits of legislating morality in sports.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Bradley’s Virtues on and off the Court

Bill Bradley was renowned in college for integrity, honesty, and athleticism, which he carried into his NBA career.

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Legislating Values: PASPA and the Anti-Betting Effort

As a Senator, Bradley co-sponsored the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to prevent the rise of sports betting.

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Editorial

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Illegal Gambling Thrived Despite Legislation

While Bradley pushed for a federal betting ban, illicit gambling operations in New Jersey were making huge sums.

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References

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A Sense of Where You Are — John McPhee — Profile of Bill Bradley’s college basketball years and character

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Values of the Game — Bill Bradley (1998) — Bradley’s book on the virtues he saw as essential to sports

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The Vapors: Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Springs, America's Forgotten Capital of Vice — David Hill — Background on the history of gambling and organized crime referenced in the episode

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