Billy Graham...A Gambler?

It's true.

And now it can be told.

Dr. Billy Graham, the venerable and beloved evangelist, a giant of a man, the prince of preachers, a pastor to presidents -- once fell prey to the lure of sports betting.

You read right. Years ago, Billy Graham gambled. With real money.

At first, he resisted. "A sin" he called the act. "A fool's errand." Over the years, he repeatedly turned down the offers, however attractive or seemingly harmless they might have been at the time.

But finally, he caved. He bit the bait.

The site was the golf course at the famed Greenbriar Resort, many, many years ago.

However you spin it, anyway you slice it, Billy Graham caved to peer pressure.

He had met up with his dear friend, the late radio newsman Paul Harvey, for a round of golf. Over the years, Paul would regularly seek out Billy for private counsel. No staff, no cameras. Just two guys -- one battling fame, the other fortune; both trying desperately to remain firmly grounded.

It wasn't easy.

"Come on, Billy," Paul pressed. "How about we bet $5 on this game?"

"Sorry, can't do it," came the firm reply. "You know I believe gambling is a sin."

Determined to be the first person to convince Dr. Graham to wager, Paul didn't let up.

"O.K.," the popular radio commentator countered, "here's the deal. Whenever I play a round of golf with a celebrity, I bet them $5. But here's the catch -- I require payment in the form of a check. If I win, I keep the check, but don't cash it. Those checks are actually worth more un-cashed than cashed. What a collection of autographs I have!"

Billy is shifting, looking down at his shoes. He's thinking about this. Makes sense. Sounds like fun.

"And if you win," Paul replies, "you can have my entire collection of unsigned checks. Deal?"

With a sigh and a handshake, Billy agreed.

So, what happened?

Paul Harvey went on to win the bet and Dr. Graham wrote him a check -- a $5 check that was never cashed, but a check that for forever more served as secret evidence that even Billy Graham had a price.

But more importantly, it showed that he had a sense of humor.

God Bless You, Dr. Billy Graham.