A significant college basketball point-shaving scandal has come to light, involving over 39 players from 17 NCAA Division I teams. This scheme, which has been in operation for two seasons, was detailed in a federal indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The scheme allegedly involved a gambling ring that included a former NBA player and has resulted in fixed games, significantly impacting college basketball integrity.
According to the indictment, out of the 26 defendants, 20 played college basketball during the 2023-24 and/or 2024-25 seasons. Notably, four players—Simeon Cottle, Carlos Hart, Camian Shell, and Oumar Koureissi—have participated in games recently, despite the charges linked to their previous schools. Following the revelations, Eastern Michigan has suspended Hart from all team activities, and Kennesaw State has placed Cottle on indefinite suspension.
The indictment cites five defendants as “fixers” who engaged in recruiting players to deliberately underperform in games. They offered bribes between $10,000 and $30,000 to manipulate game outcomes, which led to millions of dollars in winnings for bettors who placed wagers on these fixed contests.
Among the notable individuals mentioned, former NBA player Antonio Blakeney is implicated but not charged; he allegedly facilitated player recruitment for the scheme. The scheme reportedly started in September 2022, initially focusing on fixing games in the Chinese Basketball Association before shifting to college basketball.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf remarked on the group’s strategic recruitment of fixers who had strong connections in college basketball, reinforcing the scheme’s credibility. He emphasized that the implications extend beyond just the players involved, affecting fans, honest athletes, and the integrity of sports as a whole.
Following the indictment’s release, NCAA President Charlie Baker announced investigations into nearly 40 players across 20 schools in response to perceived betting integrity violations throughout college athletics. In his statement, Baker highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of sports while emphasizing the need for student-athletes to make informed decisions that protect their standings and the sport.
The indictment details various wager amounts related to manipulated games, underscoring the financial stakes involved. For example, wagers included approximately $458,000 on a Towson game and significant bets on Kent State and South Alabama.
As authorities work to address this scandal, Metcalf noted the ripple effects of such actions, stating, “Victims in this case span every sector of American life,” while calling attention to the broader impact dishonest gambling schemes have on the sporting community.
This basketball scandal represents one of many sports betting scandals that have emerged recently, highlighting the urgent need for reform in how college athletics engage with betting markets. The hope is that continued vigilance and regulatory measures will deter such conduct and preserve the integrity of the game, ensuring that the true spirit of competition remains intact.