Philadelphia, PA – A widespread scheme to fix basketball games, reaching from China to American college campuses, has resulted in charges against 26 people. Federal prosecutors announced the charges, which include bribery and fraud, revealing a concerning level of corruption in sports.
The scheme involved paying players to underperform, allowing fixers to profit by betting against their teams. Players were reportedly paid in cash, sometimes receiving payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game. Millions of dollars were wagered, with substantial profits going to the fixers.
The investigation revealed that at least 29 NCAA games and two Chinese Basketball Association games were affected, starting in 2023. Some of the players charged were still active on their teams, although the alleged offenses occurred in the previous season.
Prosecutors identified six primary fixers, including coaches, trainers, gamblers, and former NBA player Antonio Blakeney. The investigation is ongoing, suggesting that more individuals may be involved.
This scandal highlights growing concerns about the integrity of sports in the era of legalized gambling. The increased availability of sports betting, following a Supreme Court decision in 2018, has created new opportunities for corruption and threatens the fairness of competition. This incident underscores the need for stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of rules to protect the integrity of sports and prevent future scandals. The focus must be on holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that the values of fair play and honest competition are upheld.
