Don't know about anything firsthand, but everything I read about him on boards and stuff leads me to believe that Vinny Basciano was indeed a well liked and very respected guy.
Super respected. He knew many rich people who would do all kinds of favors for him. I have heard that he would take learjets to Vegas for free.
But you had to play it cool, had to do it your way Had to be a fool, had to throw it all away