Antonio Blakeney, the former LSU star and ex‑Chicago Bulls guard, is now facing the most serious allegations of his basketball career. Federal prosecutors have charged him as part of a sweeping point‑shaving scheme that stretched across NCAA basketball and the Chinese Basketball Association, placing him squarely in the middle of one of the largest betting scandals the sport has seen in years.
Federal Indictment Details
According to the indictment unsealed in Philadelphia, Antonio Blakeney is one of 17 basketball players accused of manipulating game outcomes between 2022 and 2025. Prosecutors say the operation involved fixing NCAA games and Chinese Basketball Association matchups, with players allegedly accepting bribes to underperform or influence point spreads.
Blakeney’s name stands out not just because of his NBA background, but because prosecutors allege he received up to $200,000 for underperforming in CBA games. Investigators say the scheme eventually expanded into college basketball, where more than 29 games were compromised across 17 Division I colleges and universities.
Blakeney’s Career Before the Charges
Before these charges surfaced, Blakeney built a reputation as a natural scorer. He arrived at LSU as a five‑star recruit and quickly became one of the SEC’s most electric offensive players. After going undrafted in 2017, he earned a spot with the Chicago Bulls and later became the G League Rookie of the Year.
His NBA stint was brief, but he found success overseas, especially in China, where he routinely posted high-scoring numbers. That international chapter is now under a harsh spotlight, as federal investigators say the CBA was the starting point of the betting scheme.
What Comes Next For Antonio Blakeney
The legal process is only beginning. Blakeney and the other defendants face federal charges that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, the penalties could be severe, and the fallout for his basketball future could be even more significant. Overseas clubs often move quickly when legal issues arise, and any return to the NBA now appears unlikely until the case is resolved.
Blakeney’s story has always been defined by scoring talent and persistence. Now, the next chapter will be determined not on the court, but in a federal courtroom.
