In a sweeping federal crackdown, dozens of individuals, including numerous college basketball players, have been charged in a widespread point-shaving scheme that allegedly fixed dozens of games over the past two seasons, authorities announced Thursday. The scheme involved bribes to players to underperform, allowing sports gamblers to profit from rigged bets.
Federal prosecutors unsealed a 70-page indictment charging 26 people, with 20 of them being current or former college basketball players. The conspiracy allegedly involved 39 players from 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams, impacting or attempting to impact 29 games from September 2022 to February 2025. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf described it as a ‘massive scheme’ that ‘enveloped the world of college basketball,’ highlighting the significant corruption of college athletics.
The scheme operated by having ‘fixers’ recruit players and offer bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game to intentionally underperform. This ensured that their teams did not cover point spreads, allowing bettors to place and win large wagers. For instance, in one alleged fix, players at DePaul were bribed to underperform in games against Georgetown and St. John’s, with bettors wagering thousands on the outcomes.
Key figures in the indictment include former NBA player Antonio Blakeney, who allegedly helped recruit players and was involved in fixing Chinese Basketball Association games before expanding to college basketball. Other defendants, such as Shane Hennen and Marvis Fairley, are professional bettors also charged in related NBA gambling schemes. Teams named in the indictment include Abilene Christian, Alabama State, DePaul, Kennesaw State, Tulane, and others, with specific instances like Tulane player Kevin Cross allegedly taking a $30,000 bribe.
The investigation was led by the FBI, with Metcalf announcing the charges at a news conference in Philadelphia. He emphasized that while the scheme was largely successful, some attempts failed due to players not cooperating or games not going as planned. ‘In basketball, one player can substantially influence a game, but it’s not a guarantee,’ Metcalf said, acknowledging the unpredictability of sports.
In response, NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that the organization has opened or completed investigations into nearly all the teams involved, underscoring ongoing efforts to monitor betting integrity. Several schools, including Kennesaw State and Eastern Michigan, have suspended players pending the outcome of the case, while others like Ohio University and St. John’s denied any current involvement.
This case is part of a broader pattern of sports betting scandals, with recent cases in the NBA, Major League Baseball, and UFC. Metcalf pointed to the monetization of athletics through sports betting and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities as factors that furthered the enterprise. He also noted that victims extend beyond bettors to include fans, honest athletes, and teammates.
Looking ahead, the defendants face charges of bribery in sporting contests and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with maximum sentences of up to 20 years. The NCAA is advocating for regulatory changes, such as eliminating prop betting, to better protect the integrity of college sports. This indictment marks a significant step in addressing corruption in amateur athletics, with implications for future policies and enforcement.
