Mr. Book just finished Hot Dog Money: Inside The Biggest Scandal In The History Of College Sports, by Guy Lawson.

This is a fascinating account of Marty Blazer, a financial adviser who got involved with college football and basketball players. For years, he easily flaunted the NCAA’s absurd, and should be criminal, regulations by paying players “hot dog money” and was involved in paying coaches to get their players to sign with certain agents.

Blazer first got himself into trouble when the SEC was investigating him when he misappropriated money from players, who by that time were in the pros, for a private business venture of his own. He then cooperated with the feds to bring down coaches (who were guilty of taking bribes—far more serious than just mere NCAA violations).

This is a great account of Blazer’s career, his legal trouble and how the prosecutions of 10 others could never have occurred without him. It is an excellent page turner. After I finished reading it, I immediately got the audiobook, so I can listen to it later in the week.

I give this book an A. Goodreads requires grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews, and Goodreads.

Mr. Book originally finished reading this on July 1, 2024.