Sean Maloney
The entertainment world was rocked late last month by the sudden release from prison of comedy legend Bill Cosby. The 83-year-old had been serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted on sexual assault charges in September 2018, but saw his sentence vacated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on the grounds that he should never have faced charges. While Cosby’s release has caused widespread outrage among his accusers and their supporters, the “I Spy” star remains a betting longshot to return to prison. However, his future as an entertainer remains equally in doubt.
MyTopSportsbooks takes a look at what legal trouble Cosby could face in future, as well as the odds of his return to American TV screens. Sports bettors getting in on Entertainment betting action for the first time should refer to our betting guides for tips on how to hone their betting strategies.
| TV Network to Interview Bill Cosby First |  |  |
| OWN | +150 | +150 |
| ABC | +250 | +250 |
| BET | +400 | +400 |
| Peacock | +700 | +700 |
| Al Jazeera | +800 | +800 |
| CNN | +900 | +900 |
| Fox | +1100 | +1100 |
| Comedy Central | +1500 | +1500 |
| BBC | +2000 | +2000 |
| PBS | +3000 | +3000 |
Court Rules Cosby Should Never Have Faced Charges
Long suspected of being a sexual predator, it appeared that the world had seen the last of Bill Cosby when he was handed a 10-year prison sentence in the wake of his conviction on three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault. Once revered as “America’s Dad” for his portrayal of Cliff Huxtable in the 1980s hit situation comedy “The Cosby Show”, Cosby’s wholesome image was subsequently shredded by accusations from over 60 women of rape and assault.
BREAKING: Bill Cosby has been released from prison after his conviction on sexual assault charges was overturned by Pennsylvania’s highest court. https://t.co/IEDaodP3x7
— ABC News (@ABC) June 30, 2021
However, those cheers turned to tears with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to vacate his sentence in late June . In a 79-page ruling, the Court concluded that Cosby should have never faced charges in the first place after cutting a deal with Montgomery County prosecutors in 2005. Prosecutors agreed not to criminally charge the former TV star if he agreed to participate in a civil suit brought against him by his accuser Andrea Constand.
Cosby Favored Not to Return to Prison
As a result, Cosby cannot be retried on the criminal charges in that particular case. Cosby could still face charges resulting from accusations from any number of the dozens of women who have publicly claimed to be his victims.
With Bill Cosby released from prison due to a prosecutor’s promise, Prof. Anne Coughlin argues prosecutorial power needs more checks. @washingtonpost https://t.co/oktziMDyPV
— UVA Law School (@UVALaw) July 8, 2021
But considering that some of those accusations date back four decades or more, the likelihood of any of them forcing Cosby back into a courtroom diminishes with each passing day. That adds considerable value to the short -700 odds at MyBookie favoring Cosby to remain a free man.
CTA – Prison
Release Sparks Outrage
So, with Bill Cosby unlikely to face any further justice, what’s next for comedy legend? In his first public comments following his release, Cosby hinted at a return to his roots as a stand-up comedian, and the possibility of returning to active touring. While he no doubt has plenty of stories to tell following a three-year stay in prison, it is tough to see Cosby attracting welcoming audiences by returning to the stage.
Actress and Time’s Up founding member Amber Tamblyn said, “I don’t want to hear anything about how cancel culture ruined men’s lives during the #MeToo era reckoning,” adding, “Cosby’s conviction is being overturned is proof we haven’t gone far enough” https://t.co/RN4gJ7tr7p
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 1, 2021
Cosby’s release from prison has also sparked very public outrage from members of the entertainment community. Actress Amber Tamblyn, a founding member of the Time’s Up movement was joined by the likes of actresses Rose McGowan, Rosie O’Donnell, and Debra Messing, who all expressed outrage at the Court decision, while insisting that the move does not absolve Cosby of guilt.
Rashad’s Support Not Enough to Revive Cosby Show
One notable exception has been Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby’s wife on “The Cosby Show”. Rashad has drawn the ire of fellow actors and the outraged masses on social media by throwing her support behind Cosby, stating “A terrible wrong is being righted — a miscarriage of justice is corrected.” However, that support was met by a rebuke from Howard University, where she is set to become dean of fine arts, with University officials publicly stating that Rashad’s comments “lacked sensitivity towards survivors of sexual assault.”
Phylicia Rashad’s support of Bill Cosby highlights division in the Black community https://t.co/e8vz0m2WHK
— Philadelphia Tribune (@PhillyTrib) July 12, 2021
Despite Rashad’s support, there appear to be no plans to revive “The Cosby Show”, which was last seen on the small screen just prior to his conviction. And with no other members of the show’s cast offering public support to the disgraced TV star, the odds of a Cosby Show TV reunion happening anytime soon sit at a lengthy +400 at BetUS.
CTA – Reunion show
BET Best Bet to Land Cosby Interview
None of this means we have seen or heard the last of Bill Cosby. Considering it took less than a week for Cosby to make headlines with an exclusive print interview with Black Press of America, it is likely only a matter of time before he tells his story to a television audience. Not surprisingly, OWN has emerged as the favorite to conduct the first televised sit-down with Cosby, sporting short +150 odds at BetUS.
Please read, share and consider my column explaining why some of us remain loyal to Bill Cosby despite his horrific, criminal behavior. https://t.co/vxg73pGCLT
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) July 1, 2021
Owned by the Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey, who has also emerged as strong favorite at xBet to conduct the next interview with beleaguered pop star Britney Spears, OWN is an obvious frontrunner. However, Cosby is likely to seek a more sympathetic ear than Oprah’s for his first televised chat. Considering the limited support he has received has come from members of the Black community, there is considerable value in the +400 odds available at MyBookie of BET airing any future Cosby interview.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you. For more Entertainment betting resources click here.
