In this NPR story, they briefly mention a possible connection between Segal and the mob, but don’t go into any details. So anyone know anything?
As I recall it…
There was some big thing about that his manager was a member of the mafia and began to make demands of Segal–give them money and such. He refused and the story was told to the press when a truck slammed into his car and he said it was the mafia trying to pressure him into handing them the dough.
I haven’t heard anything since, but I don’t know if that’s because no one believes him, it’s no longer new news, or reporting on the mafia is hard (both to get info and make it public safely…) Possibly a mix of the three.
Seagal is generally considered to be a nominee for the TRUMAN CAPOTE EXCESSIVE REGARD FOR THE TRUTH AWARD. Among other things he’s claimed that he’s the favorite student of the world’s leading sensei, that he’s regarded as the reincarnation of the founding lama of a particular sect, and that he’s stared down coldblooded killers sent by the mob. None of these seem to match the available facts.
With regards to the mob, he was evidently blood terrified of them and paid extortion to them for protection. There’s a good run down on Crime Library.