Jimmy Snyder, American sportscaster (b. 1919)

James George Snyder Sr., better known to millions as "Jimmy the Greek," was a captivating American figure whose life and career uniquely bridged the gritty, high-stakes world of Las Vegas bookmaking and the burgeoning landscape of sports television. Born Dimetrios Georgios Synodinos on September 9, 1918, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Greek immigrant parents, he would eventually adopt the more Americanized name Snyder and gain widespread recognition under his famous moniker. He passed away on April 21, 1996, leaving behind a complex legacy that included pioneering sports commentary and a deeply regrettable controversy.

From Las Vegas Odds to National Airwaves

Snyder’s early life saw him develop a remarkable aptitude for numbers and an intuitive understanding of probabilities, skills that naturally drew him into the world of sports gambling. He eventually moved to Las Vegas, where he established himself as a prominent and respected independent bookmaker. It was here that he earned the nickname "Jimmy the Greek," a common, albeit sometimes reductive, identifier for individuals of Greek heritage in that era. His reputation for shrewd predictions and fair dealings grew, reportedly attracting a clientele that included celebrities and political figures.

His transition from the backrooms of Vegas to the bright lights of television was a testament to his unique charisma and perceived expertise. In 1976, CBS brought him onto "The NFL Today," a revolutionary pre-game show that blended expert analysis, interviews, and, crucially, Snyder's weekly predictions. His segment, where he would forecast the outcomes and, more famously, the point spreads for NFL games, became an iconic feature of the program. For many viewers, his insights were not merely entertainment but a valuable tool for understanding the nuances of sports betting, influencing countless weekend wagers across America. A point spread, in essence, is a handicapping tool used by bookmakers to balance the odds between two unevenly matched teams, making the betting proposition more attractive for both sides by requiring the favored team to win by more than a certain number of points, or the underdog to lose by less than that number (or win outright).

The Controversial Comments and Firing from CBS

Snyder’s long and celebrated career took a dramatic and unfortunate turn in January 1988. During an interview leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he made a series of highly controversial and racially charged comments regarding African-American athletes. He speculated that "the black is a better athlete to begin with because he's been bred to be that way," further elaborating by stating, "This goes back to the slave, to the plantations, when, uh, the owner would have the biggest, the strongest black stud with his big black woman, and they would breed this person down through slavery so that he would be big and strong." He continued, "If you take, uh, my, my sport, uh, football, and if you take, uh, the black athletes of today, and, and you breed them, all you're going to get is a better black athlete."

These remarks, widely perceived as deeply offensive, rooted in pseudoscientific and racist theories, caused an immediate public outcry. Civil rights organizations, athletes, and the general public swiftly condemned his statements. CBS acted quickly, terminating his contract on January 16, 1988, citing the unacceptable nature of his comments. This incident effectively ended his mainstream media career, casting a profound shadow over his otherwise celebrated public persona and serving as a stark reminder of the power and responsibility that accompanies a public platform.

FAQs About Jimmy the Greek

Who was Jimmy the Greek?

Jimmy the Greek, born Dimetrios Georgios Synodinos (later James George Snyder Sr.), was a prominent American sports commentator and Las Vegas bookmaker, widely known for his appearances on CBS's "The NFL Today."

What was Jimmy the Greek's role on "The NFL Today"?

On "The NFL Today," Jimmy the Greek was a regular contributor who provided predictions for NFL game scores and point spreads, which were closely followed by sports bettors and general audiences alike.

Why was Jimmy the Greek fired from CBS?

Jimmy the Greek was fired by CBS in January 1988 after making highly controversial and racially insensitive comments suggesting that African-Americans were superior athletes due to breeding practices during slavery.

What specifically did Jimmy the Greek say that led to his dismissal?

He stated that "the black is a better athlete to begin with because he's been bred to be that way" and linked this to historical breeding practices during slavery, suggesting that such practices led to stronger athletes.

What is a point spread in sports betting, which Jimmy the Greek often discussed?

A point spread is a handicapping system used by bookmakers to balance the odds between two teams in a game. It's the number of points by which the favored team is expected to win, making betting on either the favored or underdog team an equally attractive proposition.