Ep 53. Major League Fraud

In season 6, episode 53 of American Greed, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through a major sports scandal. Dubbed "Major League Fraud," the episode tells the story of an ambitious and enterprising former sports memorabilia dealer named Brandon Steiner.

Steiner had built a successful sports memorabilia business, Steiner Sports, in New Rochelle, New York. His company was known for its high-profile clients, including icons like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. But Steiner's ambition wouldn't let him settle for just a sports memorabilia business. He was determined to own his own sports team.

Steiner's target was the Yonkers-based minor league baseball team, the Yonkers Hoot Owls. Steiner saw the Hoot Owls as his ticket to the big leagues and poured his energy and resources into acquiring the team. He managed to do so through a series of complicated deals, but soon became embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption.

Steiner began illegally inflating the value of the Hoot Owls by falsifying financial documents, forging signatures, and lying about the team's sponsorship deals. He also began defrauding investors by convincing them to invest in the Hoot Owls through false promises and statements. All the while, Steiner was living a life of luxury, buying multimillion-dollar homes and throwing lavish parties.

As Steiner's lies and deceit came to light, he quickly realized that he was in over his head. The FBI got involved, and Steiner was eventually charged with multiple counts of fraud and money laundering. In the end, Steiner's greed and desire for power led to his downfall, costing him everything he had worked so hard to achieve.

Narrated by actor Stacy Keach, "Major League Fraud" is a gripping true crime story that underscores the potentially devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and greed. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, former employees, and other key players in the scandal, the episode offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of one of the most notorious sports frauds in recent history.

In typical American Greed fashion, "Major League Fraud" offers plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected revelations along the way. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Steiner's rise and fall, ultimately left to ponder the question: Was it worth it?