why is there 65 teams?

[Illini]

I met Bill Saum the anti-gambling dude of the NCAA once. Funny stuff having a conversation with him as he was telling me how evil gambling on college sports is.

I'm curious what he said to you. Did you tell him afterwards that you were one of those evil people? These same people probably bet on craps, blackjack, horses, dogs, lottery, bingo, raffle tickets, and roulette. I just wonder why they care or pretend to care about betting on their sports.

 

[JoeyrollNY]

I asked if he was in the know. The way his post says it seems he knows more than the average poster. I have never had a problem with fishead and don't. I'm just looking for more info. I don't mean to stir the drink. SORRY

 

[ApolloKid]

I'm curious what he said to you. Did you tell him afterwards that you were one of those evil people? These same people probably bet on craps, blackjack, horses, dogs, lottery, bingo, raffle tickets, and roulette. I just wonder why they care or pretend to care about betting on their sports.

Saum's deal (and the NCAA's "official" stance) is that college sports wagering is bad because of the potential for people to get to the players to set fixes. It's hard to disagree with him on that point. For example, who the heck knows what was going on with the MAC this year He seemed like a nice guy too.

But at the same time, yes, I'm sure some NCAA types love to hit Vegas up once a year for some black jack, and they probably enjoy heading down to their OTB office on Kentucky Derby day. The NCAA tournament wouldn't be anything without office pool brackets, and I'm sure they know that, too.

As for me, I wasn't in the position to let him know that I enjoy getting down on a college game or two or 350. I think the NCAA should just accept gambling, embrace it and do a better job of protecting players from unsavory types.

A major step to legalize gambling, IMO, and to legitimatize the offshore world is to regulate the information of player injuries, academic status, etc. The only way it will become legal is to have a set up similar to what the SEC is to the investing world.

 

[Illini]

Apollo, I hear you and agree completely. Fixes do happen, and we may not ever know the full extent of them. But I still think they are fairly rare, or at least want to believe that they are rare. I know a kid that played D1 Hoops, and he said they do a very good job with seminars and stuff on how to handle questions from people that want to know inside info. He also said that the spread never enters their minds once the game starts. I'm sure there are some kids that bet online and stuff, but I think the purity of the game is still there, for the most part. I was the biggest hoops junkie ever in college, and the thought never even occurred to me to place a bet. I wasn't even aware of it, even though I knew that there was betting and lines, etc. The thought just never occurred to me or my roommates in college.

So, I guess I share the concerns of the NCAA. I just wish they would quit trying to stop it, because let's face it, it cannot be stopped. The NCAA can't go to Costa Rica and shut these books down. Even if they were to get Congress to outlaw college gambling in Vegas, the offshore world would still thrive and make lines, and the bookies all over this country would offer those lines and take bets. It's here to stay, so they might as well accept that.

 

[j-saul]

I think the watchdog is doing just fine. That being Vegas themselves. If "fishy $" comes in, they can tell, generally. They resolve the issue themselves (what's the NCAA or FBI gonna do besides hold meetings). Why put a black mark on gaming( thier lifeblood)? Take the hit and resolve the issue. Most players would lose because the line, after adjusted, would look so easy. Would they want refunds? RX Rabbi

 

[PokerKingJim]

Ridiculous that make these 2 teams have a play in game. they earned the right by winning their conference tourney. If they are going to have a play in game, make the final 2 at large teams play. Ridiculous how they constantly pi$$ on the small conferences and favor the big boys. Just like everything else in life, it's alla bout the money. But th einderellas are the backbone of this tournament. Idiots like Bob Knight and Jim Boeheim that cry for more big schools to get in and less small schools are idiots. The system is perfect how it is now (except for the stupid play in game). If you don't want to be left out of the dance, don't go 7-9, 8-8 in your conference. I'd rather see S. Illinois, Pacific, Nevada in the dance this year than Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame.