Man Pleads Guilty in Sprawling NCAA Basketball Point-Shaving Scheme

Jalen Smith admits to recruiting players and placing bets in a multimillion-dollar betting fraud operation.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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One of the so-called "fixers" in a sprawling betting scheme that allegedly raked in millions of dollars off rigged NCAA basketball games pleaded guilty on Monday. Jalen Smith, of Charlotte, North Carolina, admitted to wire fraud and bribery charges, becoming the first of 26 people charged in the scheme to formally do so. Smith used his connections with local basketball players to recruit them into the point-shaving operation, which targeted more than 17 Division I men's basketball teams over two seasons.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of point-shaving and game-fixing in college sports, which can undermine the integrity of the games and cost sportsbooks and bettors millions. It comes just a week before the start of March Madness, one of the biggest sports betting events of the year, raising concerns about the potential for similar schemes to target the tournament.

The details

According to prosecutors, Smith was one of the "fixers" who recruited players into the scheme, which allegedly raked in millions of dollars by rigging NCAA basketball games. Smith would travel to meet players and deliver cash payments of $10,000 to $30,000 per game in exchange for them purposefully underperforming. The scheme began with two games in the Chinese Basketball Association in 2023 before expanding to target more than 29 NCAA games across over 17 different Division I men's basketball teams.

  • Smith pleaded guilty on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • The scheme allegedly targeted games as recently as the 2024-25 season.
  • The last game the fixers are accused of rigging was in January 2025.

The players

Jalen Smith

A Charlotte, North Carolina resident who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges for his role in recruiting players into the point-shaving scheme.

Rocco Cipparone

Jalen Smith's lawyer, who said Smith pleaded guilty to get the matter behind him and move forward with his life.

Dae Dae Hunter

A former University of New Orleans player who was charged in a separate point-shaving investigation and said he participated to get money to care for his child.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.