Overview

Out of Bounds: Inside the NBA's Culture of Rape, Violence, and Crime is a searing indictment of professional basketball players who live in a world where criminal laws and social norms don't exist, a world where they are given license to act above the law. On the court, they dazzle us with their spectacular physical feats. They generate millions of dollars of revenue for the NBA and their teams. They inspire adulation. But underneath all the glitz, the money, and alley-oops is a seamy underbelly, a rash of lawlessness that is gripping the NBA. Based on a first-of-its-kind investigation into the criminal histories of 177 NBA players from the 2001–2002 season, Out of Bounds shows that an alarming four out of every ten NBA players have a police record involving a serious crime. They are All-Stars and they are journeymen, involved in crimes ranging from armed robbery to domestic violence to gun possession to rape. Out of Bounds takes a hard look at shocking cases, with graphic accounts of physical and sexual violence and other outrageous conduct by players. In all, more than 250 people are named, including many prominent NBA players. It exposes the environment and culture that encourages such criminal behavior. It also explains the unique challenges these cases pose for law-enforcement agencies and prosecutors. And Out of Bounds takes readers inside the hidden yet critically vital role that lawyers, agents, and fame play in insulating criminally accused players from accountability. Author Jeff Benedict, an expert on athletes and crime, draws his conclusions from exhaustive research. In addition to his criminal-background checks, the author retrieved documents from law-enforcement agencies, courts, and private attorneys. He conducted more than 400 interviews with police officers, prosecutors, defense lawyers, players, agents, victims, witnesses, and coaches. What emerges is a disturbing and appalling picture of men who live above the law. A seminal and important work, Out of Bounds will forever change how we look at the NBA and its stars' lives of excess and privilege.

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9780060726041

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Reviews

Exposes the NBA's tolerance for criminality...[a] disturbing expose. --Hartford Courant In what is bound to be one of the more controversial sports books of this year, Benedict applies his superb investigative reporting skills...Benedict also has no fear naming some big names...to detail what he calls 'the rash of lawlessness that is currently gripping the NBA.' ...An excellent book that proves its point that life in the NBA is 'out of control and absolutely demands close scrutiny.' --Publishers Weekly One of the more controversial sports books of this year.... An excellent book that proves its point. --Publishers Weekly

Exposes the NBA's tolerance for criminality...[a] disturbing expose. -- Hartford Courant In what is bound to be one of the more controversial sports books of this year, Benedict applies his superb investigative reporting skills...Benedict also has no fear naming some big names...to detail what he calls 'the rash of lawlessness that is currently gripping the NBA.' ...An excellent book that proves its point that life in the NBA is 'out of control and absolutely demands close scrutiny.' -- Publishers Weekly One of the more controversial sports books of this year.... An excellent book that proves its point. -- Publishers Weekly

""Exposes the NBA's tolerance for criminality...[a] disturbing exposé."" -- Hartford Courant ""In what is bound to be one of the more controversial sports books of this year, Benedict applies his superb investigative reporting skills...Benedict also has no fear naming some big names...to detail what he calls 'the rash of lawlessness that is currently gripping the NBA.' ...An excellent book that proves its point that life in the NBA is 'out of control and absolutely demands close scrutiny.'"" -- Publishers Weekly ""One of the more controversial sports books of this year.... An excellent book that proves its point."" -- Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Jeff Benedict conducted the first national study on sexual assault and athletes. He has published three books on athletes and crime, including a blistering exposé on the NFL, Pros and Cons: The Criminals Who Play in the NFL, and Public Heroes, Private Felons: Athletes and Crimes Against Women. He is a lawyer and an investigative journalist who has written five books.

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