I played Professional Jai-Alai for almost a decade
pre strike. I never any thing that even resembled a Fix or "lock
and Feed" while playing or sitting on the bench. That thought
was not imaginable nor ever discussed by the circle of guys I
knew. However, I did hear about players involved with game fixing
in Milford / Dania associated to the names of 3 specific players
in the 70's.
This "Lock and Feed" term, I had never heard until the
strike. Once the strike took place the replacement players (American
Amateurs) was the first time I started seeing points / actions
that were eye raising. It was only American players that would
speak or make jokes about this sort of thing too.
I am saying any Americans that played before the strike never
even joked about that sort of thing, not ever. Guys like Randy,
Lively, Daniel, Corky, King , myself and many others.. NEVER EVER
would consider this behavior. We worked for it and earned the
right to play, the reality of it was most of the scab players
did not, so they had no respect for the game or themselves. Thats
is just one difference between Pro's and Amateurs. Not all, by
any means of all Americans that were amateurs playing as scabs
in Ft Pierce, Palm Beach, Rhode Island, to name a few frontons,
lets just say did not have best interest of the game or its integrity.
Some did, but a good majority didn't. Screaming at fans, purposely
not trying, stealing from other players lockers, have their girl
friends place bets, all kinds of things that are a black eye for
this sport for ever.
Never in my career, did I ever not give a 100% professional effort
on the court / losing sucked to me. Second Meant I chocked, if
my best friend was against me, there was nothing better than taking
his game point away.
This whole lock and feed thing, wasn't part of the game I was
a part of, until the replacement players came in. Secret Oath??
I remember one player who would root on the bench for another
team to win if he had a 2nd or 3rd locked up. I couldn't stand
that, so it erupted into a fist fight.
So, I guess to your point, there has been documented shenanigans
in Milford Pre strike / however, Management never once ever mentioned
an outcome or encouraged less effort in my years of playing. Never
did any players ever ask me to ask me to take the dive.
I wouldn't of ..not for a million, not for 10 million, not for
100 million.
During the strike, with the some of the guys they let play Pro,
I'm sure that stuff went on, but not with real pro's.
