Sentencing Delayed for Man Who Tried to Kill Handicapper
A sentencing hearing scheduled for court today for the attorney who tried to kill a noted sports handicapper three times has been postponed because the judge needs more time to review the attorney's mental status, Gambling 911 can exclusively report.
Attorney Robert Creem, 70, of Whitehall, Pa., three times in the last year tried to run down with his car the well-known sports handicapper and radio host Dale Stickel, also of Whitehall, who handicaps under the moniker "The Philly Prince," a homage to his hometown.
During one of the attempted run-downs, Stickel, who has a personal feud with Creem that goes back years, was walking a pet cat near the apartment complex where both men resided and had to jump out of the way of Creem's car at the last second to avoid being hit, dragging the cat along with him out of harm's way.
Creem doesn't deny trying to run Stickel down and is using an insanity defense, claiming "mental illness" is responsible for the three rundown attempts.
In attempt to prove mental illness to the court, Creem underwent psychiatric testing and interviews and the results were compiled in a 30-page report, which the judge has not yet finished reading and studying, so Creem's sentencing hearing has been postoponed until March 17.
Stickel, who was planning to be at the sentencing hearing, told Gambling 911 today that he was contacted by Lehigh County Deputy District Attorney Greg Englert and told of the postponement.
If convicted of all charges, Creem could face up to 10 years in prison, but he could also avoid prison altogether under his insanity defense.
Stickel also revealed to Gambling 911 that he has obtained a handgun in order to protect himself from any future potential attacks from Creem.
The gun is a .357 Magnum, one of the most powerful handguns made and the same revolver made famous by Clint Eastwood in the movie "Dirty Harry" as a gun that can "blow your head clean off."
"I have been practicing shooting at a local police firing range and if Creem comes at me again I will be ready for him," Stickel told Gambling 911.
Stickel has been a sports handicapper for more than 20 years and operates the website acodds.us.
He has hosted or co-hosted numerous radio shows about sports handicapping over the years, including the long-running, nationally-broadcast Las Vegas Sporting News Radio Show, which he co-hosted with former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.
By Tom Somach
Gambling 911 Staff Writer
