COLUMBUS, Ohio — Federal authorities on Thursday revealed charges against 20 people accused of orchestrating a sweeping point‑shaving and game‑fixing network that touched more than two dozen NCAA Division I men’s basketball games and multiple matchups in China’s professional league.
Prosecutors say the conspiracy, outlined in an indictment from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, involved bribing college athletes with payments between $10,000 and $30,000 per game. Players were allegedly pressured to miss spreads or otherwise underperform so that gamblers could cash in on rigged wagers. Investigators believe the operation ran from late 2022 through early 2025.
Those charged include a mix of current and former college athletes, trainers, recruiters, and high‑volume bettors. Among the named defendants are Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley, both previously tied to a separate NBA‑related gambling probe. Former LSU standout and ex‑NBA guard Antonio Blakeney appears in the filings as well, though prosecutors note he is “charged elsewhere.” Federal officials say at least 39 players across more than 17 schools were involved or approached as the scheme shifted from China’s CBA to the U.S. college ranks in 2023.
Universities referenced in the indictment span a wide geographic range, including Nicholls State, Tulane, Northwestern State, St. Louis, La Salle, Fordham, DePaul, Robert Morris, Southern Miss, North Carolina A&T, Kennesaw State, Coppin State, New Orleans, Abilene Christian, Eastern Michigan, Alabama State, and Buffalo. Court documents describe tactics ranging from intentionally missed shots to first‑half failures to cover betting lines, with some athletes recruited through video calls where cash was displayed as an incentive.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said the allegations mirror issues the association has confronted before and credited federal investigators for their work. He added that the NCAA “will take all necessary steps to safeguard our athletes and competitions.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine responded with a statement emphasizing the broader implications for sports wagering policy:
“There is news today out of Philadelphia of another troubling case involving collegiate prop betting. This is why Ohio and the NCAA worked to ban collegiate prop bets in Ohio almost two years ago, in February 2024. While I applaud law enforcement and prosecutors for taking today’s action, this disturbing news reinforces that states across the country need to follow Ohio’s lead and heed NCAA President Charlie Baker’s call to ban collegiate prop bets in their states as well.”
Federal officials say the investigation remains active, and more charges may be forthcoming. No Ohio schools or athletes appear in the current indictment. The revelations have sent shockwaves through college basketball during the heart of the season, intensifying scrutiny of betting safeguards as legalized sports wagering continues to expand nationwide.