Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have indicted more than 20 individuals for allegedly fixing college basketball games from 2023 to 2025. The scheme involved at least 17 teams and over 39 players, marking the largest such case since sports betting was legalized nationwide in 2018. Among those charged are former Kentucky recruit Antonio Blakeney and possibly a familiar Arkansas fan from past broadcasts.
The FBI's investigation into college basketball gambling has uncovered a widespread point-shaving operation, leading to indictments announced this week. Prosecutors charged the individuals with offenses including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery in sporting contests. The plot spanned multiple levels, reaching even the Chinese Basketball Association, where one bettor texted a co-conspirator: "Nothing gu[a]rantee[d] in this world but death[,] taxes[,] and Chinese Basketball."
Key players implicated include Simeon Cottle, Kennesaw State's leading scorer who averaged over 20 points per game, and Carlos Hart of Eastern Michigan, who posted 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Both have been suspended indefinitely pending the probe. Witnesses described challenges in the scheme, noting that Southern Mississippi was "so bad" that players struggled to throw their own games.
The case touches Kentucky basketball history through Antonio Blakeney, a 2014 recruit who initially committed to Louisville under Rick Pitino before flipping to LSU. Blakeney attended parties linked to escort Katina Powell during his recruitment and cooperated with the NCAA, earning clearance to play for the Tigers. Now, he faces charges for allegedly fixing games while with the Jiangsu Dragons in China.
Another connection involves Roderick Winkler from Little Rock, Arkansas, charged with bribery and fraud. He may be the same fan photographed squaring up with Kentucky's Aaron Harrison after Arkansas's 2014 upset win, sealed by Michael Qualls' tip-dunk. In a memorable 2014 interview on Kentucky Sports Radio, Winkler declared, "I don’t never look at nobody and say I don’t want a part of anything," and added, "he a man like you a man and I’m a man like he a man." While it's unclear if it's the same person, the shared name and location raise questions.
This scandal follows the 2018 Supreme Court decision expanding legal sports betting, highlighting ongoing risks in college athletics.
