FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:26 pm
Just curious: How many, if any, of these "Big City" Social Clubs actually had NFL owners as regulars that placed large bets on their own teams. They would also meet their BM on Tuesday nights a to either pay or collect their bet.
I would bet more then A handful , if I remember corrcnely the steelers (Rooney) and browns( McBride ) owners both had strong ties to gambling . And may of founded there teams with gambling money or at least got there start in gambling .
I only know that Art Rooney Sr. reportedly bought the Steelers with his poker winnings.
Art Sr. was a regular at the Hollywood Social Club in Pittsburgh.
Art bet with Paul Hasnkish who would come up from Wheeling WV. Otherwise Art would place his bets with Jo Jo or Henry. If Paul had to pay he would come up to pay in person. Often Henry would deliver Art's lost wagers to Paul. I went with Henry on a couple of those occasions. We would meet with Paul at Ernie's Esquire Supper Club in Wheeling. Henry always brought the cash in a 12lb. brown paper bag. Paul always bought dinner.
BTW: Paul didn't have to come to Pittsburgh very often to pay Art
"Never walk in a room unless you know your way out" - Henry Zottola
Some pretty interesting finds so far. I will post the photos. I have found and can make out The Hi-Way lounge, the 19th hole, the Veterans and Friends(in the picture it is still the Genovese Tile Company) Jo Jo Corrozzo's social club on 101st(Italian flag colors and wiseguys hanging around outside of it). cant make out the Bergin Hunt and Fish but I can make out the EZ auto beside it. still searching for more. pics to follow
FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:26 pm
Just curious: How many, if any, of these "Big City" Social Clubs actually had NFL owners as regulars that placed large bets on their own teams. They would also meet their BM on Tuesday nights a to either pay or collect their bet.
I would bet more then A handful , if I remember corrcnely the steelers (Rooney) and browns( McBride ) owners both had strong ties to gambling . And may of founded there teams with gambling money or at least got there start in gambling .
I only know that Art Rooney Sr. reportedly bought the Steelers with his poker winnings.
Art Sr. was a regular at the Hollywood Social Club in Pittsburgh.
Art bet with Paul Hasnkish who would come up from Wheeling WV. Otherwise Art would place his bets with Jo Jo or Henry. If Paul had to pay he would come up to pay in person. Often Henry would deliver Art's lost wagers to Paul. I went with Henry on a couple of those occasions. We would meet with Paul at Ernie's Esquire Supper Club in Wheeling. Henry always brought the cash in a 12lb. brown paper bag. Paul always bought dinner.
BTW: Paul didn't have to come to Pittsburgh very often to pay Art
Some good info thanks , i know Lerner who owned the Browns was betting football as well . He always use a proxi to deal with the books. But once he was going to buy the team I belive he quit
Hell McBride owened the damn wire service and was shaking down the damn books lol
"if he's such A sports wizard , whys he tending bar ?" Nicky Scarfo
FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:13 pm
I'm sure of at least one other NFL owner that was a huge bettor
It is also a safe bet that a lot of them are cowards who are afraid of their players. That's what happens when your employees feel entitled and have no more respect or fear of their Bosses.
FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:13 pm
I'm sure of at least one other NFL owner that was a huge bettor
It is also a safe bet that a lot of them are cowards who are afraid of their players. That's what happens when your employees feel entitled and have no more respect or fear of their Bosses.
That's not always the case. Some owners were loved by their players. Particularly Eddie DeBartolo for one.
"Never walk in a room unless you know your way out" - Henry Zottola
FriendofHenry wrote: ↑Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:13 pm
I'm sure of at least one other NFL owner that was a huge bettor
It is also a safe bet that a lot of them are cowards who are afraid of their players. That's what happens when your employees feel entitled and have no more respect or fear of their Bosses.
That's not always the case. Some owners were loved by their players. Particularly Eddie DeBartolo for one.
Those days ARE GONE. Look at the wonderful NFL NOW.
