In 1975 while a state trooper, Bob Delaney joined an undercover sting operation that resulted in convictions of more than 30 members of Genovese and Bruno crime families and ended Mob control of New Jersey waterfront. While wearing a wire, Delaney dealt daily with mobsters who modeled themselves after their onscreen counterparts in box office hits such as The Godfather. Delaney even crossed paths with Joe Pistone, the real-life Donnie Brasco.
Along the way, he developed Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. As a way to deal with the stress of undercover work, Delaney began officiating at high school games, eventually becoming one of the NBA’s best officials.
In this Mob Museum public program from July 12, 2016, Delaney talks about his experiences.