scandal

Point-shaving schemes have been around since the advent of point spreads, and they will surely continue to rear their ugly heads in the future. Point shaving is when athletes conspire with gamblers to ensure a team won't cover a given point spread. Usually, the schemes involve college athletes who can be swayed by gifts or a few thousand dollars. In most cases, they are convinced under the guise that they aren't being asked to throw games, but just harmlessly manipulate the point spread. Games in which a participating athlete's team is a substantial favorite are the best candidates. For example, if a basketball team is favored by 12 points, the player or players in on the fix would play in ...