[Dakota]

It is impossible to overstate the damage these allegations will cause to the NBA. They have been trying to deal with the hooligan image of many of their players in order to stem the tide of defecting fans, and now this.

It is worth noting that this happened in a professional sports league with just about the highest level of scrutiny (charting of all calls and no-calls of every game) and a rigorous official grading system (at least so I understand). This implies that no amount of scrutiny or security or grading of officials will prevent this kind of thing from happening.

It also begs the question: who are the lowest paid professionals directly involved in a professional sports contest?

Officials.

Players have too much at stake to risk any point shaving activity. Besides, with their high salaries, they are less tempted in general by money under the table. It is easier to turn it down when your next weekly paycheck will be in 6 figures.

I don’t know where this goes; just some thoughts on the issue.