Basketball Betting Scandal Rocks NCAA and Chinese Leagues

A massive betting scandal has shaken the world of basketball, with federal prosecutors in Philadelphia accusing numerous individuals of manipulating games in both the NCAA and Chinese professional leagues. This isn't just about a few bad apples; it's a wide-reaching operation that involved players, gamblers, and a lot of money. The scheme was all about rigging games through \"point shaving, \" where players were paid to perform poorly, allowing bettors to place big wagers against their teams. Some of these bets were for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with Rivers Casino in Philadelphia being one of the main spots where these bets were placed.Antonio Blakeney, a former Chicago Bulls player who later played in China, was one of the key figures in this scandal. He reportedly received a huge cash payment of $200, 000 for his involvement. But he didn't stop there. Blakeney went on to recruit other college players to participate in similar schemes, targeting NCAA games. This operation involved 39 players from more than 17 Division 1 teams, with millions of dollars wagered on at least 29 games. This isn't the first time we've seen allegations like this. Last fall, NBA players, including Terry Rozier, were accused of similar actions. One of the gamblers charged in this latest scandal, Shane Hennen, was also involved in that earlier case. Hennen, known for his brash social media presence, was caught bragging about the scheme in texts, even joking about the uncertainty of outcomes, except for \"death taxes and Chinese basketball. \" The scandal raises serious questions about the integrity of the game and the lengths to which some people will go for profit. It's a stark reminder that even in sports, money can corrupt.