While I agree that the pure fix youre talking about is at best
exceptionally rare, although I think it has probably happened
from time to time. I have to disagree with some of the premise
involved in the question.
Here are some occurrences that I DO NOT consider fixes:
Dumping a point in disgust 'cause you're out of the game.
Ok, I agree with that, although I think intentionally dumping
a point, for any reason, is a serious violation of professional
behavior, and just about anybody who's ever seen Jai-Alai knows
that in quinella scoring there's no such thing as "out of
the game".
Trying an impossible kill, for the same reason.
That one I have less problem with that guys who go out and just
boot one or roof chuck to get out of a point, but it sure drives
me nuts when a guy does it in a show playoff. You never know when
you might get lucky and one of those shots stays in bounds, but
there are certain players who are notorious for going out and
throwing a prayer shot in playoffs, not a fix no, but certianly
unprofessional as hell.
Dumping a point to lock up Place or Show boleto.
This one I have to disagree with, maybe the result hasnt been
conspired on before the game, but it absolutely is altering your
play to bring in a desired result. I do view this as a form of
fixing beyond a doubt, if youre intentionally dumping a point
to bring in a result, regardless of the reason, thats a fix, and
I'd say based on the incident with Yannel at Dania in the early
90s, the majority view is that's a fix.
Setting up your brother-in-law for a kill shot 'cause he's down
on his luck.
Same as the last one, regardless of the reason why you are doing
less than your best, if youre intentionally giving points away,
that's a fix. Personally I think this is the one that does happen
frequently, possibly as much or even more than the infamous "dump
and lock". What's dangerous in my mind about this one is
that its not a big leap from brother-in-law to a whole game of
guys letting one go to a player who is well liked among the boys
and might need a little extra boleto money that month for whatever
reason. Maybe it doesnt involve the players attempting to get
their hands into the betting pools, but anytime youre letting
points go to let a guy get on the board without him earning it,
youre cheating the bettors.
Muffing, juggling, etc., where the ball's flight dynamics can't
be seen from the crowd.
I dont see a fix in that, incidents like that are part of the
game, although it certainly becomes aggravating when it costs
you a bet, and some players who seem to have problems concentrating
on the easy ones over and over again can drive a jai alai bettor
nuts.
