Rumors that he threw games persisted throughout his career, though never substantiated. On June 24, 1875, Philadelphia lost a game in the 12th inning against the Chicago White Stockings. McGeary committed five errors in the game, and his Philadelphia teammates committed another 16 errors. A report was published that gamblers had paid $300 to $500 to members of the Philadelphia team to throw the game. On October 18, 1875, errors by McGeary were also cited as contributing to a Philadelphia loss in which heavy betting was placed on the opposing team.