Federal Prosecutors Indict 26 Men for Conspiracy in College Basketball Game Fixing
In February 2024, federal prosecutors filed a major indictment involving 26 individuals in connection with a college basketball game-fixing conspiracy. This extensive scheme allegedly involved bribery and manipulation of outcomes across at least 29 Division I basketball games and included players from 17 different schools.
Overview of the Indictment
The indictment detailed the operations of a betting syndicate that recruited athletes to participate in point-shaving tactics. Prosecutors revealed that the group placed significant bets, with one instance highlighting a $27,000 wager on halftime spreads. This conspiracy was primarily executed by two coordinators, Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley, who utilized their connections within the basketball community to facilitate their plans.
Key Players and Schools Involved
The indictment points to multiple athletes from a range of universities, including:
- DePaul
- Abilene Christian
- Alabama State
- Buffalo
- Coppin State
- La Salle
- Southern Miss
- Kennesaw State
Four DePaul players allegedly participated in the scheme. In exchange for their cooperation, they received payments totaling $40,000. Kennesaw State’s Simeon Cottle and Texas Southern’s Oumar Koureissi are among the players charged, with both having played in the current season.
Widespread Impact on College Basketball
The allegations indicate that players received inducements ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for their roles in manipulating games. Federal prosecutors assert that the involvement of these players has raised serious concerns about the integrity of college sports. David Metcalf, the U.S. Attorney for Pennsylvania’s Eastern District, characterized the scandal as a severe threat to fair competition.
Connection to Previous Cases
This indictment follows prior cases involving known NBA figures. Hennen and Fairley are also implicated in an NBA insider trading probe, showcasing how extensive these manipulation efforts are across both college and professional levels. According to the prosecutors, the integrity of sports remains a pivotal issue, especially as legalized betting increases.
Response from Athletic Institutions
Schools implicated in the scandal have begun to take action. Kennesaw State suspended Cottle from team activities, while Texas Southern announced Koureissi’s removal from the roster. Other institutions have yet to respond but are monitoring the situation closely as investigations unfold.
Call for Enhanced Regulation
The NCAA, in response to the emerging threats posed by sports gambling, has begun taking steps to increase regulations. During a recent convention, they explored potential bans on player prop bets as part of efforts to safeguard college athletes from exploitation.
As the investigation continues, the implications of this indictment will likely reverberate throughout the college basketball community. Ensuring competitive integrity is vital not just for the athletes, but for the reputation of college sports as a whole.
