A recent federal indictment has revealed allegations of a points shaving scheme involving 26 individuals, including players from the University at Buffalo’s men’s basketball team. The unsealed indictment, which emerged from Pennsylvania, implicates over a dozen NCAA basketball players and highlights a disturbing trend of corruption within collegiate sports.
Among those named are Shawn Fulcher and Isaiah Adams, who both played for the University at Buffalo during the 2023-2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season. Federal prosecutors assert that the scheme began in September 2022 and extended at least until February 2025. This operation allegedly involved a group of “influencers” who paid players from the NCAA and the Chinese Basketball Association to deliberately underperform in games, thus affecting betting outcomes.
The indictment alleges that a group of five fixers, charged in the case, recruited Fulcher and Adams in late February 2024. It is claimed that during a FaceTime call, the players, along with an unnamed individual, agreed to manipulate an upcoming game against Western Michigan University. Prosecutors indicate that conspirators placed approximately $90,000 in bets against the University at Buffalo covering the first-half spread, which was set at three points. At halftime, Western Michigan led Buffalo 47-32, confirming the fix.
Although Buffalo outscored Western Michigan in the second half, the team ultimately lost the game 91-72. The indictment outlines additional games involving the University at Buffalo, including contests against Kent State and Ohio University, where similar conspiracies allegedly took place.
Prosecutors also allege that bettors traveled to Buffalo to deliver bribe money to Fulcher, Adams, and another unnamed individual, totaling at least $54,000. This revelation raises significant concerns about the integrity of college athletics, particularly in the context of betting.
In response to the indictment, Mark Alnutt, Vice President and Athletic Director at the University at Buffalo, issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations. He emphasized that the university views these incidents as isolated and not representative of the values held by the Division of Athletics or the men’s basketball program. Alnutt confirmed that the implicated players are no longer enrolled at the university and have transferred to other programs following the 2023-2024 season.
“Our department will continue to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities,” Alnutt stated. “Preserving the integrity and fairness of sport is a responsibility we take very seriously.” He added that, due to the ongoing investigation, UB Athletics would refrain from further comments at this time.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for vigilance in maintaining the integrity of collegiate sports, particularly as betting becomes increasingly prevalent in the landscape of athletics. The implications of the indictment extend beyond individual players, posing broader questions about governance and oversight in college sports.
