Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old fixer, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for orchestrating a college basketball point-shaving scheme that defrauded sportsbooks of over $3 million. Prosecutors say Smith played a central role in rigging games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 NCAA seasons by bribing players to underperform. He recruited athletes with promises of $10,000 to $30,000 per game, targeting underdogs to manipulate betting spreads.
The scheme involved nearly 30 games and schools including DePaul, Buffalo, and Tulane. Smith pleaded guilty to bribery, wire fraud, and a separate gun charge, and must pay $1.1 million in restitution. The FBI stated the sentencing sends a clear message that exploiting athletes for profit will be prosecuted.
The case is part of a broader investigation into a network of gamblers and players profiting from fixed games, highlighting the growing challenge of policing legal and illegal betting in college sports.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing