Alvin J. Paris
Encyclopedia
Alvin J. Paris was a New York bookmaker and gambler who, as a "front man" for a gambling syndicate based in Elizabeth, New Jersey
, fixed college sporting events through bribing of star athletes, including Rocky Marciano
.http://www.unioncountynj.org/prosecutor/newsletters/0405nltr.pdf
After being recorded on federal wiretaps on December 15, 1946 in an investigation by Manhattan District Attorney
Frank S. Hogan, a former assistant to crusading New York District Attorney Thomas Dewey
, he was convicted of attempting to bribe professional football players Merle Hapes
and Frank Filchock
of the New York Giants
with $2,500 each to throw the NFL championship game against the Chicago Bears
. Paris was eventually convicted of bribery on January 8, 1947 and, although Hapes and Fitchcock were cleared of bribery charges, both men were initially suspended by then league commissioner Bert Bell
(with Filchock being allowed to play the final game against the Chicago Bears).
During his trial, Paris chose not to take the stand in his own defense and later testified against his partners David Krakauer, Jerome Zarowitz and Harvey Stemmer, for which he would later receive death threats. Paris's sentencing had been deferred until after the second trial and he received a one-year sentence on April 7 of which he served nine months before his parole.
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Elizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
, fixed college sporting events through bribing of star athletes, including Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano , born Rocco Francis Marchegiano, was an American boxer and the heavyweight champion of the world from September 23, 1952, to April 27, 1956. Marciano is the only champion to hold the heavyweight title and go undefeated throughout his career. Marciano defended his title six times...
.http://www.unioncountynj.org/prosecutor/newsletters/0405nltr.pdf
After being recorded on federal wiretaps on December 15, 1946 in an investigation by Manhattan District Attorney
New York County District Attorney
The New York County District Attorney is the elected district attorney for New York County , New York. The office is responsible for the prosecution of violations of New York state laws....
Frank S. Hogan, a former assistant to crusading New York District Attorney Thomas Dewey
Thomas Dewey
Thomas Edmund Dewey was the 47th Governor of New York . In 1944 and 1948, he was the Republican candidate for President, but lost both times. He led the liberal faction of the Republican Party, in which he fought conservative Ohio Senator Robert A. Taft...
, he was convicted of attempting to bribe professional football players Merle Hapes
Merle Hapes
Merle Alison Hapes was a professional American football fullback in the National Football League. He played two seasons for the New York Giants .-External links:...
and Frank Filchock
Frank Filchock
Frank Joseph Filchock was an American and Canadian football tailback/quarterback and coach. As a consequence of a famous scandal regarding the 1946 NFL Championship game, he was suspended by the National Football League from 1947 to 1950 for associating with gamblers.-Early career:Born in 1916 in...
of the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
with $2,500 each to throw the NFL championship game against the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Paris was eventually convicted of bribery on January 8, 1947 and, although Hapes and Fitchcock were cleared of bribery charges, both men were initially suspended by then league commissioner Bert Bell
Bert Bell
De Benneville "Bert" Bell was the National Football League commissioner from 1946 until his death in 1959. As commissioner, he helped chart a path for the NFL to facilitate its rise in becoming the most popular sports attraction in the United States...
(with Filchock being allowed to play the final game against the Chicago Bears).
During his trial, Paris chose not to take the stand in his own defense and later testified against his partners David Krakauer, Jerome Zarowitz and Harvey Stemmer, for which he would later receive death threats. Paris's sentencing had been deferred until after the second trial and he received a one-year sentence on April 7 of which he served nine months before his parole.
Further reading
- Cook, William E. Pete Rose: Baseball's All-Time Hit King. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2003. ISBN 0-7864-1733-1
- Moldea, Dan E. Interference: How Organized Crime Influences Professional Football. New York: William Morrow, 1989.
- Sammons, Jeffrey Thomas. Beyond the Ring: the role of boxing in American society. University of Illinois Press. 1990. ISBN 0-252-06145-4
- Smith, John L. Running Scared: the life and treacherous times of Las Vegas casino king Steve Wynn. New York: Thundermouth Press, 2003. ISBN 1-56858-190-4