Man Pleads Guilty in NCAA Basketball Point-Shaving Scheme

Jalen Smith admits to recruiting players into a sprawling betting scam that allegedly raked in millions.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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One of the so-called 'fixers' in a large-scale NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court in Philadelphia. Jalen Smith admitted to wire fraud and bribery charges, becoming the first of 26 people charged in the alleged multi-million dollar betting scam to formally plead guilty.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of corruption and illegal gambling in college sports, which can undermine the integrity of the games and erode public trust. The guilty plea comes just a week before the start of the NCAA March Madness tournament, when billions are wagered legally and illegally on the games.

The details

According to prosecutors, the scheme involved recruiting NCAA basketball players to intentionally underperform or 'shave points' in games, allowing the fixers to place large bets and rake in millions in illicit winnings. Smith was one of the alleged recruiters who helped bring players into the sprawling operation.

  • Jalen Smith pleaded guilty on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The NCAA March Madness tournament is set to begin the following week.

The players

Jalen Smith

One of the so-called 'fixers' charged in the NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges.

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What’s next

Prosecutors say more guilty pleas are expected in the coming weeks as the case continues to unfold ahead of the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenge of rooting out corruption and illegal gambling in college sports, which can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the games and public confidence in the system.