As the NCAA Division I college basketball season approaches its start next month, a significant chapter in a notorious point-shaving scandal draws to a close for one involved individual. Jalen Smith, who admitted to fixing games over a two-year span, faced sentencing on Tuesday in a Philadelphia federal court. Smith, who exploited his connections with student athletes to manipulate outcomes, was linked to games involving renowned coaches like Rick Pitino and Dusty May, both of whom have celebrated national championship victories during their coaching careers.
Before US District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, Smith expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions in the extensive scheme that has implicated at least 20 players from over a dozen programs across the country. The 30-year-old was given a six-year prison sentence—72 months—which is at the lower end of the 70 to 87 months recommended under federal guidelines. In addition, Smith was ordered to pay approximately $1.1 million in restitution.
"My decisions have consequences and I accept all of them," Smith stated during the court proceedings.
Smith's sentencing signifies the beginning of a series of legal actions related to sports gambling as courts around the country prepare for upcoming cases involving former professional athletes, bookmakers, and poker players accused of match-fixing. Charges concerning these matters are expected to be heard by the end of March.
Federal prosecutors first indicted Smith in January as part of an investigation into a widespread bribery and point-shaving conspiracy. Allegations suggest that participating players received bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for their roles in this underground operation. Smith, although the lead defendant, reportedly was not connected to an older alleged scheme concerning the Chinese Basketball Association, as noted by his attorney, Rocco Cipparone.
The indictment also names Antonio Blakeney, a former NBA player currently playing in Israel. Blakeney was involved in a specific instance where he indicated his intent to sit out a game against the Zhejiang Golden Bulls on March 15, 2023, leading conspirators to place heavy bets on the opposing team, resulting in a significant loss for the Dragons, 121-80.
The syndicate involved placed numerous bets at legal sportsbooks, with reports indicating that some wagers were made at Pennsylvania casinos, including BetRivers Philadelphia. Smith’s co-defendants, Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley, are implicated in a Brooklyn conspiracy that also includes several ex-NBA players. In one betting instance associated with Blakeney, $198,300 was wagered on a single game at BetRivers.
The illicit nature of these operations is emphasized by Hennen's remark in a text to a conspirator, stating: “Nothing is guaranteed in life but Death, taxes and Chinese basketball.” Blakeney has not been extradited to the U.S. and continues to play for Hapoel Tel Aviv; his contract extends through 2029.
Addressing college basketball specifically, Smith and Blakeney worked together in February 2024 to entice players from multiple Division I programs into the scheme. DePaul University emerged as a key target, with several players allegedly agreeing to adjust their performance in exchange for bribe payments. Smith is said to have recruited Micawber Etienne, who then brought three other teammates into the fold. In one notable game on March 5, 2024, the Blue Demons faced a substantial defeat against St. John’s, with Smith reportedly communicating to Etienne about keeping a non-involved teammate from scoring.
Beyond DePaul, Smith's network reached over a dozen programs, often at smaller colleges located in the Gulf Coast area. The bribery payments offered were positioned to surpass what student-athletes might earn legitimately from “Name-Image-Likeness” agreements.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf criticized Smith’s role, saying, "Jalen Smith played a central role in this point-shaving scheme, which corrupted the integrity of NCAA games and the sport of basketball itself. As his prosecution and sentence show, we will not permit the criminal corruption of athletic competition to go unanswered." Fellow prosecutor Louis Lappen remarked on the unprecedented scale of the scheme, which ultimately encompassed over 39 players across more than 17 teams, resulting in substantial fraudulent wagers and financial losses to sportsbooks.
In a system that undermined the integrity of sports, Smith's involvement has raised serious concerns. Described as dedicated to mentoring local youth players, he has been the first to be sentenced in this case, which has broader implications. Smith portrayed himself as a “pawn” in a larger operation and received letters of support lauding his commitment to youth development through basketball.
His defense attorney, Cipparone, emphasized Smith's acceptance of responsibility and remorse, suggesting that he aims to rebuild his life post-sentencing. Smith is scheduled to report to federal prison by December 1. Meanwhile, Hennen recently underwent a change of plea hearing, and Fairley awaits sentencing in a related Brooklyn case in February.
