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What could the NBA, mafia, and X-ray glasses have in common?

Some NBA players haven’t been Goodfellas…(allegedly)

If you’re an NBA fan, you’ll probably know that this season has gotten off to a rocky start. The FBI has revealed two major cases of illegal sports betting, involving two NBA stars and a coach. The allegations include faking injuries to influence matches, as well as working with the mafia to rig poker games.

So, how did they allegedly get tangled up in the US organised crime world?

Âé¶¹Éç reporter Kayla Epstein joins us from New York to explain what the FBI’s investigation has found - and how the mafia could be involved. And Jonty Colman, Âé¶¹Éç Sport journalist, tells us about other illegal gambling controversies that have hit the NBA and how these allegations could impact the rest of the NBA season.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Chelsea Coates
Producers: Benita Barden, Mora Morrison and Imogen James
Editor: Verity Wilde

Available now

12 minutes

Last on

Tue 28 Oct 2025 03:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 27 Oct 2025 18:50GMT
  • Tue 28 Oct 2025 03:50GMT

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