Sarasota newspaper news events:
Former Cardinal Mooney player and NBA player Antonio Blakeney has been charged in connection with a wide-ranging point-shaving scheme involving college and professional basketball games in China. He is accused of accepting bribes to underperform and recruiting other players into the conspiracy.
Key Details of the Alleged Scheme
- Timeline and Scope: The scheme allegedly began in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in September 2022, later expanding to include over 29 NCAA Division I men’s basketball games between 2023 and 2025.
- Role in CBA: While playing for the Jiangsu Dragons in the CBA, where he was a leading scorer, Blakeney allegedly manipulated his own performance in exchange for bribes.
- Payment and Recruitment: Prosecutors claim Blakeney received a one-time cash payment of nearly $200,000 for his role in the Chinese games, delivered to his storage unit in Florida. He then allegedly helped recruit at least 39 NCAA players into the scheme, with bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.
- Charges: Blakeney was charged separately in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years, while bribery charges can result in up to five years in prison.
