College Sports Scandal: Uncovering Point-Shaving Practices
A recent federal indictment has unveiled a significant college sports scandal involving point-shaving practices in basketball. On January 15, 2026, the Department of Justice charged over 39 players and connected 17 schools to widespread corruption related to sports betting.
Overview of the Scandal
This investigation particularly highlighted teams from the Atlantic-10 Conference, including La Salle, Fordham, and St. Louis, alongside DePaul University from the Big East Conference. This series of indictments has raised critical concerns regarding the integrity of college basketball.
Details of the Indictment
- Date of the game in question: February 24, 2024
- Teams involved: DePaul University vs. Georgetown University
- Location: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois
How the Scheme Operated
The investigation unveiled that players Jalen Terry and Da’Sean Nelson, along with other individuals, agreed to fix the game by underperforming during the first half. Communicating through FaceTime and text messages, they conspired to ensure DePaul would not cover the first-half spread, which was set at 2.5 points in favor of Georgetown.
The Bets and Outcomes
Just before the game, the conspirators placed bets totaling approximately $27,000 on Georgetown to cover the spread. In the first half, Georgetown outscored DePaul 41 to 28, thereby successfully covering the spread. A text message from defendant Jalen Smith praised the players for their underperformance, stating, “I love Jalen Terry, he perfected his job.”
Financial Transactions
After the game, Jalen Smith traveled to Chicago to deliver $40,000 in cash as bribes for the players involved. Additional communications indicated the intent to fix another upcoming game for DePaul, showcasing a recurring pattern of manipulation.
Wider Implications on College Sports
NCAA President Charlie Baker announced ongoing investigations into nearly 40 student-athletes across 20 schools regarding similar integrity issues. As a result of these findings, several players were deemed ineligible for NCAA competition.
Recent Developments in Game Fixing
This scandal follows prior announcements by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding allegations of NBA players also engaging in game-fixing activities. Furthermore, in November, New Jersey authorities charged 14 individuals linked to an organized crime-affiliated sports betting ring.
Conclusion
As college sports face unprecedented challenges concerning betting practices, the need for stricter regulations and transparency is more pressing than ever. Ensuring the integrity of these games is crucial to maintaining trust among fans, athletes, and institutions alike.
