Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2016 12:34:10 GMT 7
The reports of match-fixing in tennis remind me of something an old ex-professional footballer told me years ago -
"If it can think, it can fix."
This guy played for my team, Motherwell, back in the fifties and sixties and he told me that fixing games was common - common because it was a time of poor wages. The chance of doubling or trebling your money by throwing a match was too good to refuse for many. Now, that's in a team sport - it must be easier for individuals to throw matches.
It would be absurd to think that any of the top tennis pro's would throw a match - the top tier are all multi-millionaires. However, there are reports that some Grand Slam winners are on the suspect list. Further down the rankings, many players struggle - and that's where the temptation lies. The idea of earning enough from fixing a match score to fund a few months travel on the tour would turn some heads.
What's the answer? none - as long as people can think, they'll fix. It's as simple as that.
"If it can think, it can fix."
This guy played for my team, Motherwell, back in the fifties and sixties and he told me that fixing games was common - common because it was a time of poor wages. The chance of doubling or trebling your money by throwing a match was too good to refuse for many. Now, that's in a team sport - it must be easier for individuals to throw matches.
It would be absurd to think that any of the top tennis pro's would throw a match - the top tier are all multi-millionaires. However, there are reports that some Grand Slam winners are on the suspect list. Further down the rankings, many players struggle - and that's where the temptation lies. The idea of earning enough from fixing a match score to fund a few months travel on the tour would turn some heads.
What's the answer? none - as long as people can think, they'll fix. It's as simple as that.
