On the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing commercial sports betting, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) met with former Yankee great Joe Girardi to discuss the importance of implementing a regulatory framework that protects the integrity of the game.

“Should sports wagering come to New York State’s gaming facilities, it’s on us as lawmakers to do this right. As a player and a manager, Joe Girardi always respected the game he loved. If New York State legalizes sports gambling, we need to make sure we’re devoting resources to protecting the integrity of our national pastime. That’s what players would want and what fans deserve,” said Palmesano.

Morgan Sword, Senior Vice President of Major League Baseball, has announced that the league is seeking a small share of each wager- 0.25 percent- to invest in new integrity protocols, including sophisticated data analysis and new staff to commence internal investigations.

Girardi found success on both sides of the dugout. He was manager of the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees, and his storied playing career also included a successful stint in pinstripes. He won three World Series titles with the Yankees in 1996, 1997 and 1999. He was an All-Star in 2000 when he played for the Chicago Cubs.

“As a fan of the Yankees and as a fan of professional baseball, it was a pleasure to meet Joe Girardi.”

Today, Major League Baseball Executive and celebrated former Yankees manager Joe Torre was in Albany to echo Girardi’s concerns regarding the importance of protecting the game should gambling be legalized in New York.