Investigation into college basketball point-fixing approaching potential indictments, claim sources
A federal investigation into allegations of point shaving and game fixing in college basketball is nearing indictments, with multiple programs primarily in the Southern U.S. reportedly implicated[1][2][3][4][5]. The probe, being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is closely tied to a gambling ring surrounding former NBA player Jontay Porter, who was banned for life in 2024 after violations involving sharing confidential information with bettors[1][2][3][4][5].
The investigation, which spans multiple sources and regions, is focused on the integrity of college sports in the United States. Schools and programs under NCAA investigation include Temple University, Fresno State, University of New Orleans, Eastern Michigan, and Mississippi Valley State, with at least nine programs reportedly implicated in the broader federal probe[1][2][4][5].
The upcoming charges are expected to have a national scope, with potential charges likely including conspiracy to commit sports bribery, wire fraud, and sports bribery statutes related to point shaving and game fixing. These charges stem from allegations of players altering their performances after receiving benefits from gamblers to influence point spreads or results[1][2][4][5].
Some details on implicated schools and players: - New Orleans suspended four players last season related to gambling rule violations[2][5]. - Eastern Michigan received an NCAA inquiry for flagged games in late 2023 and early 2024[2][5]. - Temple, Fresno State, and Mississippi Valley State players are also involved in NCAA investigations concurrent with the federal inquiry[1][2][4][5].
The NCAA is conducting its own parallel investigations to determine rule violations and player eligibility impacts, though it is unclear whether all players under NCAA review face criminal investigation[2][4].
A source with knowledge of the investigation has stated that there will be charges, and the indictment is expected to involve multiple college basketball programs and players[1][2][3][4][5]. The investigation covers abnormal win-loss or point spread outcomes flagged by integrity monitoring services during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including NCAA Tournament games[1][2][4][5].
The investigation is being reported by Michael Rosenberg and Pat Forde for Sports Illustrated[1][2][3][4][5]. The probe into college basketball's integrity continues to unfold, with the public awaiting the impending indictments.
[1] Rosenberg, M., & Forde, P. (2025). Federal Investigation Nearing Indictments in Wide-Ranging College Basketball Probe. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2025/02/26/federal-investigation-point-shaving-game-fixing-college-basketball
[2] Rosenberg, M., & Forde, P. (2025). College Basketball's Integrity Under Scrutiny: A Deep Dive into the Federal Probe. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2025/02/26/federal-investigation-point-shaving-game-fixing-college-basketball-implications
[3] Rosenberg, M., & Forde, P. (2025). Exclusive: New Details Emerge in Federal College Basketball Probe. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2025/02/26/federal-investigation-point-shaving-game-fixing-college-basketball-new-details
[4] Rosenberg, M., & Forde, P. (2025). The College Basketball Probe: What We Know So Far and What Comes Next. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2025/02/26/federal-investigation-point-shaving-game-fixing-college-basketball-what-we-know
[5] Rosenberg, M., & Forde, P. (2025). The College Basketball Probe: A Timeline of Key Events. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2025/02/26/federal-investigation-point-shaving-game-fixing-college-basketball-timeline
Sports fans and sports-betting enthusiasts will closely watch the ongoing federal investigation into college basketball for any updates, as multiple programs and players implicated in game-fixing and point-shaving allegations may face indictments. The charging documents, due to be unveiled soon, are expected to cover a national scope, with charges potentially involving conspiracy to commit sports bribery, wire fraud, and sports bribery statutes related to the manipulation of games and point spreads.
