Part 9/15:
Investigations reveal that criminal syndicates, often with ties to mafia groups, have long been cultivating relationships with athletes and high-stakes gamblers. These relationships frequently begin at youth sports or other loosely regulated events, where criminals can influence or entrap unsuspecting athletes into illegal schemes. Scott Bernstein, a mafia expert, explains that athletes, driven by a mixture of gambling addiction, competitive instinct, and financial pressure, are vulnerable targets for these underground operations.