In the second sweeping federal indictment targeting the most pervasive point-shaving scandal in North American history, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Thursday announced the indictments of 20 recent men’s college basketball players from 17 schools for allegedly attempting to fix games via performance manipulation in the 2023–24 and ’24–25 seasons. Officials say more than 39 players from more than 17 teams attempted to fix at least 29 games. The feds also filed charges against six other people associated with the scheme, including former NBA player and college standout Antonio Blakeney and individuals who worked as personal trainers or AAU coaches.
According to the federal indictment, the scheme began with attempts in the 2022–23 season to fix games in the Chinese Basketball Association. Blakeney is alleged to have been recruited by scheme organizers previously identified by Sports Illustrated, Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley, to shave points while playing in the CBA.
