Did Bobby Riggs throw the match against Billie Jean King?

I don’t know. I’m not either of them.

 

I remember watching it live (or as live as sports tv was back then). Riggs was talented, and a showboat to boot, but imho King owned him that day.

 

I too watched it live. He didn't realize that she came to play. It didn't look like he had a clue what he was up against and by the time he got into the game she had cleaned his clock.

 

And I still wonder who really won the Kaufman - Lawler wrestling match.

 

Best thing about tennis is that dogs everywhere love the balls.

 

Scotty Moore announcing at ths beginning?

 

I tried to get him a job as a ball boy. The problem was he wouldn't give them back.

 

Most good stories require a villain.

Riggs’ projected ego might not have allowed the perception of a loss.
He was however, a showman. These were a bit like Ali trash talking his opponents & how pretty he was.

She likely was not afforded quite as much leeway.
Can we get a do-over?

 

Who knew tennis was a mobster’s game.
Then it occurred to me they weren’t playing tennis.

Mob bosses mucking about on the golf course, yes. Very believable.

End of program, nothing is resolved. Now I won’t sleep.
Always believe the witness story 40 yrs later on no evidence. A deathbed revelation.

 

I watched the video - thanks for sharing it, btw - but the conspiracy theory doesn't work for me. We'll never know the truth, so no hard feelings toward anyone who believes he lost on purpose. Riggs was such a prostitute for attention that I don't think he cared who actually won, so long as he was at the center of the hype. He certainly succeeded in doing that!

 

Riggs was a huckster. He once bet he could drive a golf ball a mile. Some sucker took the bet providing Riggs didn't drive it in to the Grand Canyon. Riggs took him to a frozen lake, teed up the ball and swung. The ball bounced and skidded for three miles.

 

I’ll play. Showing to be “off his game” excuses a loss.
Owing mob bosses money is never a good idea.

Golf courses are insidious places. With their share of shady characters.

Now we’re going to need another “Battle of the Sexes.”

 

Kind of like the question who killed Kennedy. At this point it really doesn't matter. You can't change history even though lots of people these days try like hell to do it....

 

Don't feel bad. That's the nature of internet boards.

 

King won that match.

 

I remember THAT it happened, not so much WHEN. Just a distraction on the news.
Tennis is like golf, polo, or yachting to me.
I haven't got the time, money, or inclination to get involved with any of them. When you work 12-18 hour days, sleep becomes more important than a minor celebrity pastime.