Bruce Drennan Back in Action

SportsTime Ohio, a 24-hour TV network owned by the Cleveland Indians, has hired longtime local radio personality/ex-con Bruce Drennan to host a weekday talk show entitled "All Bets Are Off with Bruce Drennan," which at the very least shows the man's sense of humor.

Why is this funny? The sportscaster is fresh out of prison after serving a five-month sentence for not paying taxes on gambling earnings.

This guy was kind of a high roller. Last July, he was sentenced for failing to pay between $12,500 and $30,000 in taxes on gambling winnings which he placed bets on from 2000-04 on baseball games with five or six bookies on a daily basis, with some bets as high as $5,400.

In 2004, federal agents seized a revolver, more than $1,000 in cash, a computer and other items after searching Drennan's home. He claims his success with betting was what led to his arrest. "Unlike 95% of the guys who bet and lose, I won," he said, "and that's what attracted the feds." Ah, that, and not paying his taxes on the winnings, maybe.

Drennan's affiliation with the Indians could get a little tricky, considering its conflict with baseball's strict gambling rules. He will not have access to the team's clubhouse, but will be allowed in the press box and on the field at Jacobs Field.

SportsTime Ohio will make its debut April 1st. Drennan, 56, will serve an additional five months of house confinement with work privileges.

[ESPN]