In the 1950's, there were so many point shaving scandals in college basketball that countless careers were ruined by organized crime. Alleged mobsters would pay money to college players to either throw the game (meaning to lose it intentionally) or to "underperform" which would impact the odds. If a team is favored to win by 7 points, but they only win by 4, then anyone who took the odds would lose. When federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) got involved, young players had their dreams destroyed as they were either thrown out of college basketball, thrown in jail or both. An incident in San Diego demonstrates just how important it is to have a Los Angeles Federal Criminal Attorney today as it was 60 years ago. At the University of San Diego, a point shaving investigation is shocking not only the community, but the sports scene in and around the city as well. Former USD basketball players Brandon Johnson and Brandon Dowdy are in desperate need of a Los Angeles Federal Criminal Attorney after they were indicted on charges of fixing college basketball games. The agents who were investigating the crime were originally looking into a marijuana drug ring for over a year. Investigators learned the dealers were also running sports books and allegedly bribing college players to fix games. Agents executed four search warrants at various residences and one business (a convenience store) in San Diego. By agents, this means FBI SWAT teams swarming into people's home and businesses, taking documents and people into custody. Without a skilled Federal Criminal Attorney working for you, there is no telling how law enforcement officials could take advantage of such a situation. The investigation showed that the people allegedly involved in the bribing and point shaving operation bet on USD to lose against teams they were favored to beat. In a 7 game stretch, the team went 1-6, including 1-5-1 against the spread. These losses included three losses to teams they were favored against. The coach of the USD basketball is also allegedly involved in this operation. Each of these individuals will need a skilled, experienced Los Angeles Federal Criminal Attorney in order to get the best defense possible. If you or someone you know has been charged with a federal crime, contact the lawyers at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin, LLP by calling 877-781-1570 today! Tagged as: federal law and defense