A federal investigation into illegal sports gambling and game manipulation in the NBA is widening. Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York indicated that they are reviewing several additional games beyond those cited in an October 2024 indictment.
The probe gained fresh momentum following the sentencing of Timothy McCormack, the first person convicted in the scheme, who received two years in federal prison. Prosecutors allege McCormack wagered thousands on games influenced by insider information.
High-Profile Figures Under Scrutiny
The investigation originally centered on former Raptors player Jontay Porter, who was permanently banned from the NBA after pleading guilty to removing himself from games to influence betting outcomes. The October indictment also charged Terry Rozier and former player/coach Damon Jones.
New York Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman confirmed the ongoing nature of the work:
“The government has ongoing investigations. And our understanding is the defendant has conducted himself in similar manners in other instances as well.”
The fallout has also impacted Malik Beasley, who remains in “investigative purgatory.” His attorney, Steve Haney, noted that despite no formal charges, the ongoing probe cost Beasley a potential $42 million contract with the Pistons, effectively stalling his professional career.
League Integrity and Policy Shifts
The NBA has emphasized full cooperation with law enforcement. NBA spokesman Mike Bass stated:
“The integrity of our game remains our highest priority. We continue to assist the relevant authorities… as well as work with federal and state regulators on appropriate limitations on the types of bets placed on NBA games.”
The scandal has fueled a national debate over player prop bets, which are particularly vulnerable to manipulation. The NBA has already requested that sportsbooks remove specific “negative” props, such as turnovers and missed free throws, to protect the game’s integrity.
