TROY – Michael Franzese knows a few things about athletics and gambling.

On April 12, he’ll be sharing some of that knowledge with athletes and others at Troy University ’s Claudia Crosby Theater. Known as the New York mob’s “Long Island Don” and “The Prince of the Mafia,” Franzese will be the second annual guest lecturer at the Alabama Institute for Sport and Fitness Management at 7:30 p.m.

At the height of his mob activity, Franzese was one of the biggest money earners for the mob. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Franzese ran a gambling operation as a capo in the Colombo Family in New York , and has been called the biggest money earner for the Mafia since Al Capone. In the mid-80’s, he ranked number 18 on Fortune Magazine’s “Top 50 Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses” list as part of their cover feature.

Now a born-again Christian, he is a frequent speaker to Major League Baseball rookies, NBA rookies and numerous NCAA institutions on a mission to help those at risk from gambling.

“Mr. Franzese will share his personal insight and experiences to detail issues of gambling and its associated dangers,” said Jason Lee, an associate professor of kinesiology and health promotion who is helping coordinate the Institute’s program. “We strongly encourage all students, faculty, staff and any others interested in the topic to attend. There is no cost to attend and the event will be a definite must see.”