Federal prosecutors have charged 26 individuals in a serious point-shaving scheme that impacted college basketball. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf revealed that this scheme involved 39 players across 17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams and allegedly fixed or attempted to fix 29 games.
“This was a massive scheme,” Metcalf said during a press conference in Philadelphia. The indictment covers a timeline from September 2022 to February 2025, and it even touches on possible corruption in games within the Chinese Basketball Association.
The charges indicate that players were bribed to underperform in games, supposedly to benefit sports gamblers. Some former college players allegedly paid current players between $10,000 and $30,000 to help fix game outcomes. For instance, if a team was projected to lose by four points, a player might accept a bribe to ensure their team lost by a larger margin.
Teams named in connection with this scheme include Abilene Christian, Alabama State, Butler, and Georgetown, among others. Ohio University stated that none of its players or staff were involved in the scheme. Notably, the indictment mentions an attempt to influence a 2024 game between SUNY Buffalo and Ohio University.
The scheme is said to have begun when former Chicago Bulls player Antonio Blakeney, along with sports bettors Marvis Fairley and Shane Hennen, conspired to fix games in the Chinese league. The operation eventually shifted focus to NCAA games. These individuals had strong connections within the college basketball world, which helped lend credibility to their actions.
NCAA President Charlie Baker responded, acknowledging that the organization was already aware of issues surrounding game integrity. He noted that investigations into the implicated teams were either completed or underway.
This revelation comes just months after a significant FBI crackdown on illegal gambling. In that operation, NBA stars like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier were arrested.
In a 2022 survey by the NCAA, nearly 30% of college athletes expressed concerns about the impacts of sports betting on their games. This highlights a growing need for transparency and integrity in college sports, especially as gambling becomes more widespread.
The implications of these allegations are profound. As expert opinions suggest, the integrity of college sports is on the line. With rising concerns about gambling and its influence, the NCAA faces critical questions about how to protect athletes and uphold the spirit of competition.
These developments serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with the intersection of college athletics and gambling. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to see how the NCAA acts to restore trust among players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
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