Six individuals, including current and former National Basketball Association (NBA) players, have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a scheme to use confidential NBA information for illegal betting. The indictment was unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn and names Eric Earnest, Marves Fairley, Shane Hennen, Damon Jones, Deniro Laster, and Terry Rozier as defendants.
The group is accused of obtaining non-public details about upcoming NBA games between December 2022 and March 2024. According to prosecutors, this inside information—provided by NBA players and coaches—was used to place fraudulent bets through online sportsbooks and retail betting outlets. The indictment outlines several incidents where defendants allegedly profited from early knowledge of game lineups or player injuries.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated, “As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks. This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit. Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”
Nocella also expressed gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office for their support during the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Today the FBI arrested six people, including current and former NBA players, for their alleged role in illegal sports betting and money laundering conspiracy – the result of a sweeping investigation conducted by outstanding FBI professionals and partners. Using private information and positions of power to rig sports gambling outcomes is not only illegal but destroys the integrity of the game and will never be tolerated. We will continue following the money to ensure gambling operations of all kinds stay within the law and bring to justice those who take advantage of innocent victims.”
Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at FBI New York Field Office added: “Former and current NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and additional co-conspirators, allegedly informed the defendants and others of confidential information relating to upcoming NBA games and player performances, such as pre-release medical information and a player’s intention to alter their upcoming game performance, which favored certain bettors within their inner social circle. This alleged collusion resulted in the defendants secretly pocketing their lavish winnings and corrupting NBA games. The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity and afford all participants a fair chance to win big.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch commented: “Rigging a professional basketball game for personal profit is as immoral as it is illegal. This investigation exposed a gambling ring built around the NBA, where players and associates allegedly used inside information and even faked injuries to fraudulently manipulate bets on games. The fact that some players altered their performance or took themselves out of games to ensure these bets paid out is an offense to every player and fan. Thanks to the incredible work of the NYPD detectives and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this illegal sports betting operation has been benched for good.”
The indictment provides details on specific games where insider tips led to profitable wagers:
– On March 23, 2023 during a Charlotte Hornets game, Terry Rozier allegedly informed Deniro Laster he would leave early due to injury so wagers could be placed on his underperformance.
– On March 24, 2023 before a Portland Trail Blazers game against Chicago Bulls, insider knowledge about lineup changes was allegedly used by Fairley’s group for substantial wagers.
– In April 2023 during an Orlando Magic game against Cleveland Cavaliers, Fairley reportedly acted on advance knowledge that key Magic players would sit out.
– Damon Jones is accused of sharing pre-release medical information regarding Los Angeles Lakers star players prior to two games in February 2023 and January 2024.
– Jontay Porter allegedly told co-conspirators he would exit two Toronto Raptors games early due to supposed injuries; Porter has already pleaded guilty along with Long Phi Pham.
If convicted on both counts—wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy—each defendant could face up to 40 years in prison.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Weintraub, David Berman, Kaitlin Farrell from the Business & Securities Fraud Section with paralegal assistance from Liam McNett and Timothy Migliaro.
The charges are allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
