For sports gamblers, a possible state of sin

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You think the NFL has a problem with Matt Walsh, the New England Patriots and Spygate?

Is so-called rogue referee and game-fixer Tim Donaghy — he bet on more than 100 NBA games — commissioner David Stern's only gambling concern?

Does the challenge of Southern Cal in light of the Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo scandals keep NCAA officials awake at night, or does something more disturbing cause that insomnia?

Steroids haunt baseball. But is what looms on the horizon more of a challenge to the integrity of the game, a Pandora's box containing baseball's greatest mortal sin?

It could be on all counts.

What quietly is taking place just north in the small state of Delaware could change the sports landscape in America and cause more consternation among sports leaders than any other issue.

Delaware is on the verge of instituting sports betting.

Last week, the state House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow betting on professional and college sports at state casinos. It now moves onto the Senate, where it likely will pass.

The governor, Ruth Ann Minner, opposes the measure and might veto it should it come to her desk, according to reports. Even so, the bill that passed would not take effect until 2009, after Minner leaves office.

Little rattles the nerves of the leaders of professional and college sports more than the prospect of legalized sports betting, however hypocritical that stance might be.