Aug. 31, 2007
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
JOHN L. SMITH: Speculation abounds about parallels in book about sports betting
After receiving a positive initial reception from the media, Michael Konik's intriguing book "The Smart Money" did a veritable Jimmy Hoffa act in the press.
It's interesting because Konik's work is based on his rare insider's view of his tenure with the sports betting group headed by Billy Walters. Walters, a major golf course developer in Southern Nevada, was said to be ticked off about Konik's project.
Those who have read the book noticed plenty of similarities between Rick "Big Daddy" Matthews and Walters, and Eric "Jox" Brijox and handicapping master Michael "Roxy" Roxborough, but readers have wondered about the identities of some of the other characters in the story.
A few possible answers recently surfaced in the letters section of the street savvy LasVegasAdvisor.com Web site. Among them: The sports bettor "Captain Beefcake" is none other than Hollywood giant Bruce Willis, and the gambler "Heartthrob" is actor/poker bum Ben Affleck. Could the "Boy Wonder" character be based on Ashton Kutcher?
That's the speculation. Presuming those guesses are correct, do you suppose they'd consider playing themselves if "The Smart Money" ever makes it to the big screen?  |