Friday, March 24, 2006

"A longtime foe of college sports wagering, the NCAA is sending an observer to Las Vegas over the next two weekends, not to spy but to work with sports gambling operators toward what the two sides see as a common goal. Both want honest games.

" 'It does seem like a strange partnership,' said Rachael Newman-Baker, NCAA director for agents, gambling and amateurism activities, 'but when it comes to protecting integrity of the games, we're fighting the same fight.'

"The NCAA's interest in keeping sports free of corruption is obvious. And without confidence that the games are on the level, bettors would turn away and hurt the casinos' profits…"