The Theory: Bobby Riggs, a noted hustler and prosperous gambler, placed a sizable sum on Billie Jean King to win the 1973 Battle of the Sexes tennis tournament. He threw the match, and in the process, collected a nice chunk of change.
What the Theorists Say: In the first Battle match played in early 1973, Riggs handily defeated Margaret Court in straight sets: 6-2, 6-1. Then, just months later, he somehow suffered an embarrassing defeat to Billie Jean King.
Bobby Riggs made no effort to hide the fact that he was playing to lose against King.
He literally made no effort to return some of King’s shots to the baseline. When King volleyed up at the net, Riggs gave a halfhearted jog and just watched the ball bounce away.
Riggs made an uncharacteristic amount of errors, allowing King to win by just laying back instead of playing her usual aggressive game.
My Verdict: Although it’s very possible that Riggs threw the match, there is plenty of counter evidence.
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