I think it is an ego thing and a weakness thing , john gotti wouldn't let anyone take a plea . I remember joe piney wanted to take a plea so he could go home for one last Christmas with his wife before he went to prison , gotti refused and off to jail armone went , a little harsh I think , armone was an old guy and died behind bars
It wasn't even a plea that Gotti denied him. It was at his sentencing. The trial was already over at that point. All they wanted Piney to do was to admit that he was a member, and he could spend one last Christmas at home. Gotti said no.
A little harsh, like you say. But look how things worked out for Gotti. The Gambinos were the last family to realize the benefits of the plea bargain, and it set them back a long time. Today the plea is the norm.
