As the story goes, in 1972 Jansco's Show Bar was raided by the FBI (during tournament play) on a hunch that massive amounts of gambling was going on.
Allegedly there were many people arrested, and money was confiscated.
Allegedly there was a hearing the next day in St. Louis (or 3 days later? ) and Minnesota Fats showed up (late) - and for some reason or another - he ended up making a statement to the court in defense of the players and the event itself.
Allegedly the court/judges/prosecutor???? was so amused by Fats and his antics that the whole case was basically dropped and the monies returned.
If I have mis-stated anything, feel free to say so.
Knowing Fats was a HUGE storyteller, pun intended, I wonder how true this tale really is? Yes, I have heard and read many first-hand accounts from people who were there, but some details are always fuzzy or left out...
I have submitted a FOIA request to the FBI to find out if Fats did in fact make a statement, what exactly he said, and what official decision was rendered by the court.
Allegedly there were many people arrested, and money was confiscated.
Allegedly there was a hearing the next day in St. Louis (or 3 days later? ) and Minnesota Fats showed up (late) - and for some reason or another - he ended up making a statement to the court in defense of the players and the event itself.
Allegedly the court/judges/prosecutor???? was so amused by Fats and his antics that the whole case was basically dropped and the monies returned.
If I have mis-stated anything, feel free to say so.
Knowing Fats was a HUGE storyteller, pun intended, I wonder how true this tale really is? Yes, I have heard and read many first-hand accounts from people who were there, but some details are always fuzzy or left out...
I have submitted a FOIA request to the FBI to find out if Fats did in fact make a statement, what exactly he said, and what official decision was rendered by the court.