Fixer Pleads Guilty in NCAA Basketball Point-Shaving Scheme

Jalen Smith admitted to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and illegal firearm possession in the wide-ranging scandal.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old player trainer from Charlotte, pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and illegal possession of a firearm related to his role in a plot to affect the outcomes of college basketball games. Smith was one of 26 people charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in January for their involvement in the point-shaving scheme, which allegedly impacted games from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball seasons.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of corruption and point-shaving in college sports, which undermines the integrity of the games and can lead to significant financial losses for bettors and the NCAA. The guilty plea from Smith, who prosecutors say had a leadership role in the scheme, could provide valuable information to uncover the full scope of the scandal.

The details

According to prosecutors, Smith and five other 'fixers' recruited players from minor and mid-major college teams to 'underperform and help ensure their team failed to cover the spread in games.' The scheme allegedly impacted 29 or more games, with gamblers profiting from the fixed outcomes. Investigators found a firearm during their search, leading to an additional charge against Smith due to a previous felony conviction.

  • Smith pleaded guilty to the charges on March 10, 2026.
  • Sentencing for Smith is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Jalen Smith

A 30-year-old player trainer from Charlotte who pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, wire fraud, and illegal possession of a firearm related to his role in a point-shaving scheme involving college basketball games.

Antonio Blakeney

A former NBA player and LSU star who was among the 26 people charged in the point-shaving scheme.

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What’s next

The judge will determine Jalen Smith's sentence in June 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of corruption in college sports and the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to protect the integrity of the games. The guilty plea from a key figure in the scheme could lead to further revelations about the full scope of the point-shaving plot.