Federal prosecutors in the United States have unsealed an indictment charging 20 individuals, including 15 current or former NCAA Division I men’s basketball players, in what authorities describe as a wide-ranging point-shaving and game-fixing scheme tied to sports betting.
The indictment, announced Thursday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleges that the defendants conspired to manipulate the outcomes of college basketball games in order to profit from illegal and legal sports wagering. Prosecutors say the scheme spanned multiple seasons and affected games across the country.
Alleged Scheme Targeted College Players
According to court documents, the conspiracy involved paying players to influence game results—not by necessarily losing games, but by ensuring their teams failed to cover the point spread. This practice, commonly known as point shaving, can be difficult to detect and is particularly lucrative for bettors with inside access.
Prosecutors allege that players were paid thousands of dollars per game to deliberately miss shots, commit turnovers, or limit scoring margins at key moments. The indictment claims that at least 17 Division I programs were impacted.
Players and Other Defendants Named
The college players charged include:
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Alberto Laureano
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Arlando Arnold
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Simeon Cottle
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Kevin Cross
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Bradley Ezewiro
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Shawn Fulcher
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Carlos Hart
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Markeese Hastings
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Cedquavious Hunter
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Oumar Koureissi
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Da’Sean Nelson
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Demond Robinson
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Camian Shell
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Dyquavian Short
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Airion Simmons
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Jalen Terry
The remaining five defendants are alleged to be fixers or intermediaries, including trainers and gamblers:
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Jalen Smith (trainer)
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Roderick Winkler (trainer)
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Marves Fairley (sports gambler)
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Shane Hennen (sports gambler)
Some reports also mention Antonio Blakeney, a former NBA player who played in China, as connected to the broader scheme, though the exact nature of his involvement is still under investigation.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Those charged face counts including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery in sporting contests. If convicted, some defendants could face lengthy prison sentences and financial penalties. Prosecutors stressed that the case highlights the ongoing need to protect sports integrity amid the growing popularity of legal sports betting.
“This investigation reflects our commitment to holding accountable anyone who corrupts the fairness of athletic competition,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Broader Impact on College Sports
The NCAA has acknowledged cooperating with law enforcement and reiterated its concern about the influence of gambling on student-athletes. College players — particularly those outside major revenue programs — are often seen as vulnerable targets due to limited financial resources and increased exposure through betting markets.
This case adds to national scrutiny over how legalized sports betting intersects with college athletics, and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to protect athletes and the integrity of competition.
What Comes Next
Arraignments and court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges or defendants, and the investigation remains active.
As the case unfolds, it is likely to have lasting implications for NCAA enforcement, athlete education on gambling risks, and how sportsbooks monitor suspicious betting activity.
Via CBS News