No he didn’t. These stories talk about the extension that got pulled as if that’s lost money. It isn’t. He lost half a season’s salary. That’s it.
Oh and the “kid’s game” thing is completely ignoring how sports happen. They actually get invented at the adult level first. Then kids play them.
Half a season’s salary ID a lot of money.
Basketball was invented to be a form of exercise for students who couldn’t get outside in harsh winter weather. Peach baskets were the original target. I learned that in fourth or fifth grade.
I wonder if organized sports would exist was there no gambling.