A central figure in a nationwide college basketball point-shaving scheme was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Tuesday, prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced. Jalen Smith, 30, pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges tied to a scheme that fixed nearly 30 NCAA Division I basketball games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
Smith also pleaded guilty to a separate felony gun possession charge. As part of his sentence, he must pay $1.1 million in restitution to cover losses that gambling platforms suffered because of the fraud.
What Happened In The Betting Scheme
According to prosecutors, Smith placed bets and recruited college players by promising them large payments to intentionally underperform during games. Bettors involved in the scheme then wagered against those players’ teams, defrauding sportsbooks and other gamblers who had no knowledge the outcomes were being manipulated.
The scheme touched programs at DePaul University, the State University of New York at Buffalo and Tulane University, according to the Houston Chronicle. Smith was one of at least 27 named defendants accused in connection with the fixing operation, which prosecutors say generated more than $3 million in fraudulent wagers. Players typically received between $10,000 and $30,000 per game for their role in the scheme, with investigators saying hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes changed hands alongside millions of dollars in illicit wagers.
Prosecutors said players on teams considered underdogs were prime recruiting targets for the scheme. Those players were encouraged to underperform just enough to guarantee certain point spreads, and the money on offer frequently outweighed what the athletes could have earned through legitimate endorsement or sponsorship deals.
Response From Prosecutors
Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia office, framed the sentence as a warning to anyone looking to exploit athletes for profit. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: Those who exploit professional and collegiate athletes for personal gain will be held accountable,” Jacobs said, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“This conduct does more than harm individual athletes. It undermines the integrity of sports and the trust placed in fair competition.”
Scope Of The Case
With more than two dozen other defendants named alongside Smith, the scheme reached across multiple programs and seasons rather than targeting a single school or conference.
What’s Next
Smith’s $1.1 million restitution obligation and six-year prison term are now final following Tuesday’s sentencing. The sentencing comes as the 2026-27 NCAA basketball season begins, with legal and illegal wagering on games expected to total billions of dollars nationwide.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
