What in the World - What could the NBA, mafia, and X-ray glasses have in common?

Download What could the NBA, mafia, and X-ray glasses have in common?

If you’re an NBA fan, you’ll probably know that this season has gotten off to a rocky start. The FBI has revealed two major cases of illegal sports betting, involving two NBA stars and a coach. The allegations include faking injuries to influence matches, as well as working with the mafia to rig poker games.

So, how did they allegedly get tangled up in the US organised crime world?

BBC reporter Kayla Epstein joins us from New York to explain what the FBI’s investigation has found - and how the mafia could be involved. And Jonty Colman, BBC Sport journalist, tells us about other illegal gambling controversies that have hit the NBA and how these allegations could impact the rest of the NBA season.

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Presenter: Chelsea Coates
Producers: Benita Barden, Mora Morrison and Imogen James
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Monday, 27th October 2025.

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