Are Pro Sports Rigged?

In this eye-opening episode of Keeping It Real, Jillian sits down with former Mafia capo Michael Franzese, a man who lived deep inside the world of organized crime and walked away—something almost unheard of. We dive into his fascinating life story, from his rise in the Colombo crime family to his decision to leave the Mafia behind and find redemption.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: are the tactics of the government really that different from those of the Mafia? Michael shares his firsthand experience with the inner workings of both, exposing corruption, backroom deals, and power plays that eerily mirror what happens in the political world. From tax schemes and money laundering to loyalty, fear tactics, and backstabbing, we break down the shocking parallels between organized crime and modern government. We also explore the world of sports gambling—one of the Mafia’s biggest money-makers—and how its influence has evolved with legalization, corporate interests, and political involvement.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants an unfiltered look at how power really works—whether in the streets or in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss this raw, unfiltered conversation with one of the most compelling figures in organized crime history.

If you like the show, please be sure to like, comment, and share.

[ewetoobblowzdogg]

Pro football is licenced as an entertainment, not a sport. This is done to avoid gambling laws and rig games without penalty. An entertainment is scripted

[SJNrider]

That’s wild. It was about 14 years ago for me. All the sudden, I got frustrated watching football and hockey. They did, they looked scripted. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. So, I just quit watching sports.

[KarenKennedy-lqnt]

I used to love football, I like the game, but I watched a Super Bowl, and it looked so obvious that one team played to lose. The betting brings in more money than the game itself, it’s a huge money making organization, the NFL.

[christheother]

.American football is not remotely like it was in the 60's and 70's. It's more like "pro" .wrestling now. They barely hit each other. I quit watching sports long ago. I don't understand how adults get so excited about this nonsense.

[t-bone]

I finally realized this 15 yrs ago. Life is now better without sports and the theater it’s become 😮

[fatgandalf]

When the Chiefs kicker took that Safety last year in the Divisional round versus the Texans, no reason for it, they had won the game, there were 11 seconds left, even if the Texans blocked the punt, scored, and got a 2-point conversion, they still could not have won. The only reason for intentionally drawing a Safety was to blow the spread. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people had taken that bet, the online sportsbooks would have taken a shellacking, except for the Chiefs kicker taking a few steps back and giving the Texans those 2 points. Totally rigged. Don't even get me started on crooked-ass refs. The highest paid referee makes around $200k/year, sports betting is an $8 Billion/year industry, do the math.
Not to mention, didn't the NFL choose "The Most Electrifying Man in SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT" to be the face of their farm league.

[KarlCooper-ej]

This guy was once a mobster if anybody would know about this stuff it would be him.

[straceshow]

Are sports fixed? In a word- YES, and it’s obvious.

[JustinKernsx]

Of course all professional sports are rigged

[anthonycrenshaw]

The most obvious evidence of this is a Chief Broncos's game, where a Bronco defender had a clear shot to Patrick Mahomes, but for some reason, that defender decided to not tackle him. Weird.

[chrisdeering]

The money is so big if you don’t think they influence outcomes you are just not honest.

[richardmanginelli]

Let's see, who sponsors pro sports ?
Bet MGM
Draftkings
And so on.
Sports weren't like this prior to Gambling to being allowed in Pro Sports, have we learned nothing about Horse Racing?

[vince]

The Mike Tyson, Jake Paul "fight?"

[frankdux]

They have caught teams in professional soccer rigging games a few times. In Italy teams like Juventus relegated because of match fixing. It goes on in all professional sports it’s a business and easy way to make money

[MaxHeadRoom-bdvs]

Jillian
I think we all think it, not sure we want to believe it.
It could be incredibly easy to do though.
Want to remove the possibility, no more betting on Pro or college sports.

[kjata]

100%, everyone should know this. Look up the legal decision from the lawsuit: NYJ Season Ticket Holders vs. the NYJ/NFL from the 1990's (maybe it was the Bills, think is was the Jets). It only takes 1 player or refs and as we know, ANY play can have a penalty flag thrown in football, ANY play can be whistled in the NBA, almost ANY pitch can be called a Ball or a Strike, Hockey is a penalty fest if needed.

[kelseywhitlatch]

No not at all. We all know millionaires and billionaires love to leave things to chance when it comes to money

[Rocky-xxzg]

I was shocked when the Eagles won the Superbowl. Kanas City, supposedly a great team, gave up even before the game began. Rigged? I believe it was

[nrdas]

I can't believe I'm hearing another person besides me saying umps and refs bet on games. MLB umps bet balls and strike count by team, by player, by inning, usually up to the 5-6 inning. Internet sports books take bets from family members and no one ever find outs. For almost twenty years I've been saying this. Thank you Franzese.

[JessicasMagicalTreasures]

I also believe WWE is rigged. Everything is practiced and rehearsed before the show. I could be wrong, but what do I know.