Fifteen Ex-NCAA Players Charged in US-China Basketball Fixing Scandal
In a significant legal development, federal prosecutors in the United States have accused 20 individuals, including 15 former college basketball players, of engaging in an elaborate scheme to manipulate the outcomes of games in both the NCAA and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The allegations suggest a coordinated effort to fix basketball games through methods like point shaving, which involves altering the margin of victory to influence betting outcomes.
Details of the Allegations
The individuals charged participated in the conspiracy from September 2022 to February 2025. The accusations were publicly unveiled in Philadelphia and include serious offenses such as bribery in sporting contests and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
College Players Involved
Among the 15 former NCAA players implicated are those who played for various Division 1 schools during the 2024-2025 season. The targeted institutions include:
- Nicholls State University
- Tulane University
- Northwestern State University
- La Salle University
- DePaul University
- Robert Morris University
- University of Southern Mississippi
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Kennesaw State University
- Coppin State University
- University of New Orleans
- Abilene Christian University
- Eastern Michigan University
- Alabama State University
The Role of Fixers
The investigation has also brought to light five additional defendants, referred to as fixers. These individuals include:
- Two trainers involved in player development.
- A former NCAA player.
- One trainer and coach.
- Gamblers and sports handicappers.
Some of these fixers had previously faced charges related to NBA gambling activities.
Financial Incentives
The indictment reveals that the fixers allegedly offered bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game to the college basketball players to induce them to participate in the scheme.
NCAA Investigations and Consequences
This legal action follows a series of investigations by the NCAA, resulting in lifetime bans for at least 10 players this year. These investigations highlighted issues with betting on their own teams and performances. Moreover, a broader crackdown on illegal gambling linked to professional basketball saw over 30 individuals charged last year.
This unfolding scandal underscores the challenges facing collegiate athletics, particularly regarding gambling and game integrity. The implications could be far-reaching for those involved and the institutions they represented. As the situation develops, more details may emerge about the extent of the conspiracy and its impact on college basketball.
