College Sports Scandal: Point-Shaving Uncovered

The recent federal indictment highlights corruption in college basketball, encompassing 39 players across 17 schools. This situation raises serious concerns about integrity in college sports amid a surge of point-shaving schemes. Notably, three Atlantic-10 teams—La Salle, Fordham, and St. Louis—are implicated, along with Big East’s DePaul University.

Point-Shaving Scandal in College Sports

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed how players colluded with fixers during a crucial game. On February 24, 2024, DePaul faced Georgetown, and players Jalen Terry and Da’Sean Nelson agreed to underperform. Their goal was to ensure DePaul would fail to cover the first half spread of 2.5 points, which had been set by sportsbooks.

Details of the Scheme

• Timing: The scheme began in late February 2024, leading up to the Georgetown game.
• Player Involvement: Jalen Terry, Da’Sean Nelson, and Micawber Etienne played key roles in the fix.
• Wagering: Approximately $27,000 was wagered by fixers expecting Georgetown to cover the spread.

During the game, Georgetown outscored DePaul 41 to 28 in the first half, successfully covering the spread and allowing the fixers to win the bets. Communication among the conspirators indicated satisfaction with the players’ underperformance.

Aftermath and Consequences

After the game, Jalen Smith, another conspirator, delivered $40,000 in cash as bribe payments to the players involved. The corruption extended beyond the DePaul-Georgetown game, with further manipulative actions observed in subsequent games, including one against Butler.

Wider Implications of Sports Gambling

This scandal is part of a broader issue related to sports betting, which has put the integrity of college sports at risk. NCAA President Charlie Baker noted comprehensive investigations had been launched into over 40 student-athletes from 20 different institutions. Findings revealed that some athletes bet on their own performances and manipulated games.

• 11 athletes lost NCAA eligibility due to betting violations.
• 13 athletes from eight schools failed to cooperate with investigations.

Ongoing Corruption Investigations

The announcement by federal authorities follows prior allegations involving NBA players and a significant sports betting ring linked to organized crime. Law enforcement continues to address the pervasive issue of corruption in sports, with a focused approach on upholding integrity.

With increased gambling integration in sports broadcasts, the pressure mounts for organizations like the NCAA and ESPN to ensure fair play amidst rising corruption risks.