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Originally Posted by Chris Meck
I think the argument has always been that not every member of the Black Sox was in on the fix, and that Jackson almost certainly was not as he hit like.400 plus that series.
Other than that, I agree. The proliferation of endorsed sports betting at the level it is will be a problem sooner or later.
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The problem with that argument is that Jackson's numbers in 'fixed' games vs games that weren't fixed, and in key spots vs in moments where the game was decided, was STARK.
Moreover, if you look at his grand jury testimony, he ADMITS he took part in the fix.
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Q: Did anybody pay you any money to help throw the series in favor of Cincinnatti?
A: They did.
Q: How much did they pay?
A: The promised me $20,000 and paid me five.
* * *
Q: Then you went ahead and threw the second game, thinking you would get it then, is that right?
A: We went ahead and threw the second game, we went after him again . . .
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Now you can argue he changed his mind or that he wasn't fully sold on it. Or that he was half-hearted in his attempts. But Jackson took part in the fix. He was 0-6 with RISP over the first 5 games of the series (the ones known to be fixed) and didn't get an XBH with runners on base until game 8.
He absolutely took part in the fix. He deserved to be banned with all the rest of them. Even if they were the ringleaders or were more committed to the cause, the fact remains that Jackson clearly participated and it wasn't until AFTER the team decided to 'play it straight'. Jackson hit .250 with zero RBI's in the first 4 games (games the team knowingly agreed to fix) and in a 5th game he got an RBI when his squad was already losing 10-1. With runners on 1st and 2nd in game 3 (a fixed game) and nobody out while down 2-0, Jackson popped out on a bunt attempt. I mean...yikes.
When the players abandoned the fix, he hit .545 with 6 RBIs.
No - Jackson got what he deserved, IMO.