BREAKING: A mobster linked to an alleged rigged NBA poker scheme was denied bail today due to serious concerns over witness tampering. Anthony Ruggiero Jr., 53, appeared in Brooklyn federal court where Judge Joseph Marutollo ruled against his request for a $5 million bond.
Federal prosecutors argued that Ruggiero poses a significant risk of interfering with witnesses if released. “He made his hand in the shape of a gun and said, ‘You know how we take care of rats — up close and personal,'” Judge Marutollo recounted from a previous case where Ruggiero allegedly threatened a witness.
Ruggiero’s attorney, James Froccaro, contended that other alleged mobsters involved in the scheme have been granted bail despite facing serious charges. However, the judge sided with prosecutors who highlighted Ruggiero’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for threatening to kill a witness.
The Justice Department claims Ruggiero is involved in a plot to rig high-stakes poker games in a Greenwich Village apartment, one of two locations tied to a scheme orchestrated by four of New York City’s most powerful crime families, including the Gambinos. This scandal has drawn in notable NBA figures, including Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and former player Damon Jones, who allegedly helped attract high rollers to these fixed games.
Ruggiero is the son of Angelo Ruggiero Sr., a deceased member of the Gambino crime family and a close associate of notorious boss John Gotti. Known for discussing crime family business openly, Ruggiero earned the nickname “Quack Quack” for his brazen behavior.
The implications of this scandal extend beyond the poker tables. Experts are questioning how prominent NBA figures became entangled in illegal gambling schemes despite their wealth. Notre Dame professor Richard Sheehan suggested that the allure of quick cash may have drawn them in.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the case unfolds, authorities will be closely monitoring Ruggiero’s connections and any further developments involving NBA players. The court’s decisions and ongoing investigations will likely reveal more about the deep ties between organized crime and professional sports.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to capture public attention.
