College Athletes Caught in Mafia-Backed Betting Ring Scandal
In a revelation that’s thrown the sports world into a frenzy, New Jersey authorities have charged fourteen people in a sprawling multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring. This operation, allegedly tied to college athletes and organized crime, ran nationwide and handled about $2 million in bets between 2022 and 2024.
Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, a Lucchese crime family member, allegedly led the operation. Several of his family members and associates joined him. The New Jersey Attorney General’s office hit the group with charges like racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
Unveiling the Betting Ring
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Investigators found that Perna’s group used a web of bookmakers who leaned on offshore sites to place bets. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said college athletes played a role, helping run sportsbooks under Perna’s organization.
The NCAA has acknowledged the charges and opened its own investigation. As of now, they haven’t shared many details.
The Key Players
Joseph “Little Joe” Perna faces charges alongside his sons, stepson, nephews, and other associates. His son, Joseph R. Perna, apparently managed day-to-day operations and led a team of agents.
These agents included Perna’s brother Anthony, his stepbrother Frank Zito, and cousins Dominic Perna and Michael Cetta. Six other men allegedly ran their own sportsbooks as part of the scheme.
The Role of College Athletes
One of the most surprising parts of this case is the involvement of college athletes. Authorities haven’t named the schools or sports yet, but the idea of athletes running sportsbooks is deeply troubling.
It’s hard not to wonder how deep this goes. The NCAA’s involvement shows just how serious this could get for college sports.
Organized Crime Connections
The Lucchese crime family’s role here isn’t exactly a shock, but it’s unsettling. Joseph Perna allegedly bankrolled the operation, with his family filling out the ranks.
It seems like a tightly-run group. Cases like this make you realize how far organized crime can reach—even into sports.
Legal Repercussions
The charges are hefty: racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering. These aren’t minor accusations, and the legal fallout could be huge.
Theresa Hilton, who leads New Jersey’s division of criminal justice, said the first court appearances were set for Thursday. Detention hearings would follow soon after.
Impact on the Sports Community
This scandal could shake the sports world, especially college athletics. When college athletes get mixed up in illegal betting, it stains the whole sport and makes you question how protected young players really are.
The NCAA’s investigation might reveal more, and hopefully, it’ll lead to stronger safeguards for athletes.
Future Preventive Measures
After something like this, sports organizations, schools, and regulators have to step up. It’s time for tougher rules and smarter strategies to keep sports clean. Here’s what could help:
- Enhanced Monitoring: Keep a closer eye on betting activity involving college athletes.
- Educational Programs: Teach athletes about the dangers and legal risks of illegal betting. Honestly, some may not even realize how risky it is.
- Stricter Regulations: Enforce tougher rules and real consequences for anyone caught up in illegal betting.
- Collaboration: Law enforcement, sports leagues, and schools need to work together to spot and stop these schemes before they start.
For more detailed information on this case, you can read the original report on ESPN’s website here.