Man Pleads Guilty in NCAA Basketball Point-Shaving Scheme

Jalen Smith recruited players to fix games for big payouts

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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One of the so-called "fixers" in a sprawling betting scheme to cash in on rigged NCAA basketball games has pleaded guilty in federal court in Philadelphia. Jalen Smith, of Charlotte, North Carolina, admitted to wire fraud and bribery charges for his role in recruiting players to purposefully underperform in games in exchange for cash payments, allowing the fixers to bet against the players' teams and defraud sportsbooks and other bettors.

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 sportsbooks. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of student-athletes to these types of schemes and the need for stronger oversight and player protections.

The details

According to prosecutors, Smith used his connections with local basketball players he had trained and developed for professional scouting combines to recruit them into the point-shaving scheme. He would promise the players large cash payments in exchange for purposefully underperforming during games, allowing the fixers to bet against their teams and defraud sportsbooks and other bettors. Smith would often travel to meet the players in person to deliver the cash payments.

  • Smith was active in helping fix games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
  • Charges against Smith were unsealed in January 2026 along with 25 others involved in the scheme.

The players

Jalen Smith

A North Carolina man who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges for his role in recruiting players into a sprawling NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme.

Federal Prosecutors

The prosecutors' office in Philadelphia that brought charges against Smith and 25 others involved in the point-shaving scheme.

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What they’re saying

“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 sportsbooks.”

— Federal Prosecutors (audacy.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine Jalen Smith's sentence at a later date.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger oversight and player protections in college sports to prevent these types of point-shaving schemes from occurring and undermining the integrity of the games.