Dec 5, 2014
Reports: Bookie pleads guilty to extorting Vanek
A New York bookie pleaded guilty Friday to an extortion conspiracy, including an extortion attempt on Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek. According to ESPN, Joseph Ruff extortion conspiracy included extorting a $230,000 payment from Vanek, Ruff’s lawyer confirmed. Ruff’s lawyer also alleged that Vanek owed upwards of $10 million in gambling debts, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, who first reported the news.
TSN.ca Staff
A New York bookie pleaded guilty Friday to an extortion conspiracy, including an extortion attempt on Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek.
According to ESPN, Joseph Ruff extortion conspiracy included extorting a $230,000 payment from Vanek, Ruff’s lawyer confirmed.
Ruff’s lawyer also alleged that Vanek owed upwards of $10 million in gambling debts, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, who first reported the news.
Vanek’s agent denied the number of debt, and called his client a victim more than anything else.
Ruff’s lawyer said that Vanek’s debt was an approximation over a number of years. He also said Vanek never bet on hockey.