We now have two versions of events last September before us.
The one according to Jim Black has Jim Black alone, and without influence from Scientific Games officials and lobbyists, deciding to appoint former Scientific Games flack Kevin Geddings to the lotto commission. At no point did Black know that Geddings had any ties to the lotto company, according to this sworn version.
Today, Geddings testified that he told Black point blank that he had worked for the lotto company. Still, Black discussed tenatively appointing Geddings to the lotto board, telling Geddings the his relationship with Scientific Games would not be a big problem, perhaps a just negative story in the N&O. Geddings further testified that both Black and Scientific Games vice president Alan Middleton called him on Sept. 21 to talk about the lotto commission.
Sept. 21 is also the night of the dinner between Black, Middleton, and former Black aide and Scientific Games lobbyist Meredith Norris. Black testified that he could not recall if the lotto was discussed at this dinner. He also testified that he did not call Geddings that evening and that he did not make the decision to appoint Geddings until the following day.
Black’s attorney now disputes Geddings testimony that Geddings told Black of is ties to the lotto company.
In sum, we have a mess.
