Former College Star Antonio Blakeney Faces Federal Charges in Basketball Betting Scandal
Antonio Blakeney found his name in an unexpected place this Thursday. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Department of Justice placed the former college All-American among seventeen basketball players charged in a widespread point-shaving operation. This scheme manipulated games in both the NCAA and the Chinese Basketball Association.
Multi-Year Scheme Targeted College and Professional Games
According to an indictment unsealed in Philadelphia, the illegal activity ran from September 2022 through February 2025. Prosecutors stated players accepted bribes to intentionally perform poorly during games. This allowed gamblers to win bets placed on the outcomes. The case names twenty total defendants, including players and individuals accused of orchestrating the betting plan.
Sportsbooks and regular bettors suffered financial losses because the games lost their fairness. The indictment clearly noted, "The sportsbooks would not have paid out those wagers had they known that the defendants fixed those games." Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice filed the case, describing it as one of the most serious betting fraud cases involving college basketball in recent memory.
Blakeney Recruited Teammates After Joining Scheme
Federal prosecutors detailed how Antonio Blakeney entered the conspiracy. The former college All-American and top scorer in the Chinese Basketball Association received recruitment from Marves Fairley and Shane Hennen. These two men offered bribe payments to ensure Blakeney would underperform during games. Court documents reveal Blakeney later assisted in recruiting his own teammates to join the plan.
After generating profits from fixed CBA games, the group turned its attention to NCAA men's basketball. This expansion marked a significant escalation in their criminal enterprise.
NCAA Already Punished Two Named Players
The indictment names Cedquavious Hunter and Dequavion Short, both from New Orleans, as participants. The NCAA already punished these two players in November for allegedly fixing games. Their inclusion in this federal case underscores the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Prosecutors explained the mechanics of the scheme. Players received instructions to help their teams fail to cover the betting spread. This could occur during the first half or across the entire game. The indictment stated, "In placing these wagers on games they had fixed, the defendants defrauded sportsbooks, as well as individual sports bettors."
Bribes Exceeded Legal Earnings for Many Players
Bribe payments ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 for each fixed game. Federal authorities highlighted that this amount often surpassed what many players could earn legally through name, image, and likeness deals. The indictment also noted that fixers specifically targeted teams expected to lose. This strategy made it easier to conceal the manipulation of game outcomes.
The case remains active and ongoing. No trial date has been announced at this time. Federal investigators continue their work on what they describe as a complex and far-reaching betting fraud operation.
