The US Attorney’s Office is conducting a federal investigation into potential game-fixing in men’s basketball at the professional and college levels, following unusual betting activity by several players.
A grand jury has been convened, which could lead to indictments and trials. The investigation includes cases involving NBA player Jontay Porter, who was banned for life after fixing bets based on his performance in games, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, whose activities were first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Rozier’s involvement stems from 2023 betting activity that raised concerns about unusual game outcomes. The NBA initially investigated but found no violation of rules, with league officials cooperating with the new federal probe.
The broader investigation also appears to involve up to seven college programs, where players are suspected of gambling on their own games or attempting to influence contest outcomes during the 2023-24 season. Former Temple guard Hysier “Fabb” Miller is among those being looked into.
At the center of the controversy lies the prop bet, which ties an individual player’s performance to game outcomes. While rigging a game’s outcome is difficult, players can fake illnesses or injuries early in games, ensuring under categories hit and influencing betting odds. The lack of major sports betting scandals since Supreme Court legalization six years ago raises questions about inevitable future incidents as more young people engage with legalized sports betting.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/feds-investigate-game-fixing-in-pro-and-college-basketball