Topline
Former NBA players Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Will Bynum were convicted by a Manhattan jury Wednesday on conspiracy charges related to a scheme to defraud the NBA’s healthcare plan out of millions of dollars, according to multiple reports, one that has so far resulted in charges against 18 ex-NBA players and prison sentences for three.
Davis was a forward in the NBA. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Key Facts
Davis, who last played in the NBA during the 2014-15 season as a Los Angeles Clipper, was found guilty of health care fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements, and conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, according to CBS Sports.
Bynum, who spent most of his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, was found guilty of conspiracy to submit false statements to a health care plan, Bloomberg reported, citing a spokesperson for the Manhattan U.S. attorney.
Prosecutors said Davis and Bynum made bogus claims for medical and dental procedures they never received, Bloomberg added, noting both face a maximum of up to 20 years in prison on each of their counts, though will likely be sentenced to less time.
In being convicted, Davis and Bynum join three players who pleaded guilty in the healthcare fraud case—Sebastian Telfair, Darius Miles and Terrence Williams, the latter of whom was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August.
Crucial Quote
“While many of the more than 20 defendants convicted in this case were well-known NBA stars, their conduct was otherwise a typical fraudulent scheme designed to defraud the NBA’s health care plan and net the defendants over $5 million in illicit profits,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.
Key Background
Eighteen of the more than 20 defendants in the healthcare fraud case are former NBA players. The players were first charged in 2021, when prosecutors alleged they submitted nearly $4 million in fraudulent reimbursement claims for medical services they never received. Terrence Williams, who played for the New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics, admitted to leading the scheme in August. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution. The scheme approximately operated from 2017 to 2021, when Williams impersonated healthcare employees and recruited genuine healthcare providers and NBA players to his cause.
Tangent
Davis, 37, is the highest-profile former player convicted in the scheme so far. He won a championship with the Celtics in 2008, after rising to stardom in college basketball when he led LSU to the Final Four in 2006. He’s also well-known for his charismatic personality both on and off the court.
Further Reading
Ex-NBA Player Terrence Williams Will Serve 10 Years In Prison And Pay Millions Over ‘Brazen’ Healthcare Scheme (Forbes)
Glen Davis, Will Bynum found guilty of scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan (CBS Sports)
Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis Convicted in NBA Health-Care Fraud Scheme (Bloomberg)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/11/15/glen-big-baby-davis-and-will-bynum-found-guilty-in-nba-healthcare-fraud-scheme/