PHILADELPHIA — In February 2024, a college basketball story unfolded that showed how far some athletes would go for money. A trainer from North Carolina texted a DePaul player during halftime of their game against Georgetown, praising two teammates despite one going scoreless. DePaul was struggling, trailing by 13 at the time.
However, this wasn’t just about support. Prosecutors revealed that the trainer was part of a betting group that wagered $27,000 on Georgetown to lead by three points or more at halftime. They won, but it wasn’t luck. Four DePaul players were allegedly involved in a point-shaving scheme, which netted them $40,000 after the game.
DePaul had a terrible season, finishing 0-16 in the Big East and winning only three games overall. The point-shaving scandal worsened their plight. This scheme was part of a larger indictment involving 26 people charged with manipulating games across 17 colleges and 29 Division I games.
The gambling ring supposedly involved at least 39 players, mainly from lower-profile schools, with 20 facing charges. According to U.S. District Attorney David Metcalf, the group recruited players through their influence within the basketball community. Allegations detailed that four DePaul players helped fix three of their games, and this wasn’t an isolated case—it included players from several other schools.
Among those charged were current players like Simeon Cottle of Kennesaw State, who has already been suspended, and others from Eastern Michigan and Delaware State. Some players had already moved to different colleges, showing how wide-reaching this situation was.
Metcalf described the operation as widespread, involving millions in bets. The scandal reportedly began in 2022 when leaders of the ring approached former NBA player Antonio Blakeney to manipulate his performance in games while playing overseas in China. He was paid $200,000 to help ensure wins on their bets.
Interestingly, the group’s bets weren’t always successful. They lost substantial amounts on several games that didn’t go as planned. For instance, one player admitted to trying to influence a game but didn’t succeed, illustrating the challenges involved in such schemes.
The issue of integrity in college sports remains a hot topic. The NCAA has been investigating similar cases and has ruled numerous players ineligible for their roles in these scandals. During an NCAA convention, officials highlighted how vulnerable players at lesser-known programs are to such schemes. They also called for a ban on certain types of bets involving college players, reflecting a growing concern about how legal sports gambling could impact younger athletes.
As sports gambling becomes more integrated into the culture, leagues like the NBA are also adapting. They’ve revised injury reporting protocols and are contemplating further changes to guard against potential manipulation.
In summary, this scandal illustrates a troubling intersection between sports, gambling, and ethics. The fallout could change how college sports operate, raising important questions about fairness and integrity in athletics.
For more on NCAA’s response to sports gambling, you can read their recent updates here.
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