UA Gambling Action Team Brings Michael Franzese to Speak on Campus

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama students, faculty and staff are invited to a presentation by former mobster Michael Franzese on Tuesday, Oct. 3. The lecture, sponsored by the UA Gambling Action Team, will be at 7:30 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum.

Known as the only high ranking official of the Mafia ever to quit the mob, refuse government protection and live to tell about it, Franzese regularly speaks to professional and student athletes, corporate executives and others on the dangers of gambling. He has spoken at many universities, including a presentation at UA in 2003.

“Michael Franzese was well received when he spoke here three years ago. His presentation offers valuable insight into the dangers of gambling, and his personal story is compelling. I encourage everyone in the University community to attend,” said Chris King, UA associate athletics director for compliance and chair of the Gambling Action Team.

Once referred to by the media and members of law enforcement as the New York Mob’s “Long Island Don” and “The Prince of the Mafia,” Franzese’s operations ranged from gambling to loan sharking to corporate crime.

While in prison on racketeering charges, he was recruited by the FBI to participate in a program designed to educate professional athletes about the dangers of gambling. Determined to use the experiences of his former life to benefit at-risk youth, athletes, executives and others, he has become a motivational speaker and a source of invaluable information.

Franzese is the author of two books, “Quitting the Mob” (1992) and “Blood Covenant” (2003). He has been a featured guest at the NBA and MLB rookie camps and on ESPN, Fox Sports and HBO Real Sports.

For more information, contact King at 348-3615. More details on Franzese are available at http://www.michaelfranzese.com/main/home.aspx.