Gambling-Player Ties Probed in Rhode Island
The arrest of two students and a third person broke up a college gambling ring that had ties to the mob, Rhode Island state police said Thursday. Unanswered were allegations of possible involvement by University of Rhode Island basketball players.
Police said one allegation involved an alleged extortion attempt against the brother of basketball captain Jeff Kent.
University President Robert Carothers said players were under investigation but said “there is no concrete evidence” against any athlete. He would not say how many players were under investigation.
Arrested was Bryant college senior, Matthew Zimmerman, 21, of Providence, who was released on $5,000 bond after pleading not guilty to two counts of extortion and one each of bookmaking, possession of marijuana, racketeering, conspiracy and organized criminal gambling. Also arrested was Zimmerman’s roommate, Dennis J. Millette, 20. Rhode Island student Raymond Damaso Jr. was arrested Monday on gambling charges, and police said they believe he had dealings with Zimmerman.
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