[Mr. Bond]

As the story goes, in 1972 Jansco's Show Bar was raided by the FBI (during tournament play) on a hunch that massive amounts of gambling was going on.

Allegedly there were many people arrested, and money was confiscated.

Allegedly there was a hearing the next day in St. Louis (or 3 days later? ) and Minnesota Fats showed up (late) - and for some reason or another - he ended up making a statement to the court in defense of the players and the event itself.

Allegedly the court/judges/prosecutor???? was so amused by Fats and his antics that the whole case was basically dropped and the monies returned.

If I have mis-stated anything, feel free to say so.

Knowing Fats was a HUGE storyteller, pun intended, I wonder how true this tale really is? Yes, I have heard and read many first-hand accounts from people who were there, but some details are always fuzzy or left out...

I have submitted a FOIA request to the FBI to find out if Fats did in fact make a statement, what exactly he said, and what official decision was rendered by the court.

[philly]

Just finished reading "The Hustler and The Champ." I'm sure you have read it. It is basically a comparison of the similarities and differences between Fats and Mosconi as they were almost exact contemporaries. Fats was larger than life. To call him an original is an understatement. He only did what he wanted to do. He was governed by himself.

[Texas Carom Club]

if he was better at anything other than billiards, it was running his mouth