Who better to educate listeners about risks associated with gambling than a former member of organized crime, one who was heavily involved in those dangers?  Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, corporate executives and for anyone involved in the business of gambling, Franzese provides real life examples with absolute street credibility.  He is the first call from media when gambling is the topic. You may have heard him  on ESPN, HBO, CNN, Fox News, Jim Rome Show, as well as NPR's "All Things Considered," Armed forces Radio, or one of a hundred radio interviews or in dozens of print interviews from USA Today, Associated Press, or Cigar Aficionado. 

Michael NEVER imagined speaking to audiences, much less about dangers in gambling. It began when he was recruited as his prison term was ending. One afternoon, while he was walking in the prison yard, he heard a voice that blared over the loudspeaker.... "Michael Franzese, report to the Warden's office." The Warden had just allowed him to get excercies outside, having spent 3 years in the hole.  He wanted to get in shape for his wife.  This order is rarely followed by good news. His heart sank when he entered the office and was met by two FBI agents dispatched from headquarters in Washington DC., which would normally mean even worse news. But not on this day.

The agents were there to recruit Michael to participate in a program, a video produced by NBA Entertainment, designed to educate professional athletes about the dangers of gambling. Michael knew well the world of gambling and sports - he knew it from first hand knowledge from the side of organized crime’s involvement on the street. That brief  request from the FBI was the beginning of something very new for Michael. He recorded his portion of a video taped message that would be presented to professional and collegiate athletes, warning them about the danger of gambling, and the impact it can ultimately have on their career.  When he was released, he was told of the impact the video had on players.  Kevin Hallinan, former head of security for MLB, asked Michael to speak to the players in person at Spring training.  That led to the NBA and MLB rookies, and soon, NCAA student athletes as a NCAA approved speaker.  Michael has been on the road in great demand, speaking to MLB and NBA rookies the last decade+, a couple of NFL teams, the Association of Tennis Professionals, and to athletes at some 350 colleges.

Today, Michael wars about the risks of Internet gambling, including identity theft potential as well as likely legal issues.  He educates about the danger of letting gambling control your life.

Youthful Gambling Addicts
More than 8 million youth are in treatment for gambling addiction.

Google Teen Gambling Addiction.  You will find reports from CNBC, Fox News, Universities, Teachers media, and more than you can read in a day.  Kids as young as EIGHT are gambling.  Students lose scholarships, get expelled, and commit crimes, all to feed their addiction.  If not in college – they may well be headed there in record numbers.  Gambling addiction is growing faster than drugs and alcohol combined.

Consider their role models – celebrities and athletes on TV in poker tournaments or promoting Internet gambling.  A student at Lehigh University robbed a bank – another at University of Wisconsin shot and killed 3 people . . . all over gambling.

Gambling and Business
And it is not just the kids – also Google Gambling Addiction and Business.  You will find page after page, story after story of the corporate leader, government official, college employee or president, law enforcement officer, bank president, and people from all walks of life in trouble for theft, embezzlement, fraud, corruption, or worse – all over gambling.

Parents are stealing trust funds, educational funds, mortgaging homes, divorcing, all over gambling addiction.  Mothers leave children in cars – some have suffocated – while gambling.  Others turn to prostitution.

Breaking Out Foundation
To address the issue of youth gambling, and to help reach at-risk youth to inspire and motivate them with a curriculum to land jobs in sports and entertainment, Michael founded Braking Out, a 501c3 non-profit. 

We have more information at www.breakingout.org or just click on the Breaking Out tab at the top.

Our goal is to educate youth about the dangers of gambling through a targeted multi-media program that combines music, film clips, and Michael’s message.  Following a presentation to the National Federation of High School Assemblies, representatives spoke strongly about the need to impact their students.