St. Louis University implicated in point-shaving scheme

PHILADELPHIA — A large-scale, point-shaving scheme is the target of the newest federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Twenty men are facing charges in the scheme, which allegedly corrupted college basketball games and extended to overseas leagues.

Authorities allege that the group fixed or attempted to fix more than 29 Division I men’s basketball games. This would involve 39 players from at least 17 teams.

The scheme, which ran from September 2022 through February 2025, involved bribes to players to underperform intentionally. The bribes were intended to manipulate point spreads for illegal sports betting profits. Payments to cooperating players would range from $10,000 to $30,000 per manipulated game.

The charged individuals include fixers, gamblers, and multiple current and/or former college players. Some reports say that 15 to 17 players are among the defendant pool.

Teams impacted by the point-shaving scheme

One of those teams impacted by the scheme is St. Louis University. Other impacted schools in the scheme include Tulane University, McNeese State University, Fordham University, SUNY Buffalo, Georgetown University, DePaul University, Kennesaw State University, Robert Morris University, and North Carolina A&T, among many others.

The case builds on prior concerns about sports betting integrity following the legalization of wagering in many states. Charges include sports bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Blakeney, Hennen, Ezewiro among defendant pool

Front Office Sports reported that former NBA player Antonio Blakeney was listed among the individuals named in the unsealed indictments.

Another individual listed in the indictment was Shane Hennen, who was charged last year along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Hennen and Rozier face charges of being involved in an NBA gambling scheme that relied on insider information.

Also listed in the indictment is former St. Louis Billiken Bradley Ezewiro. Ezewiro is facing bribery and wire fraud charges for his alleged role in fixing a game involving the Billikens in 2024.

NCAA: Sports betting scandal is “not entirely new information”

NCAA President Charlie Baker noted that the news of a sports betting scandal in men’s college basketball “is not entirely new information.”

Baker also noted that protecting competition integrity in the NCAA is of “utmost importance.” The NCAA had already investigated or opened probes into nearly all of the teams named.

Hundreds of schools successfully lobbied in late 2025 to rescind an NCAA rule that would have allowed student-athletes to wager on professional sports. Among the concerns were impacts on the integrity of collegiate competition. St. Louis University was among the schools lobbying to rescind the rule.

Billikens cooperating with prosecutors

While St. Louis University hasn’t made a statement, they have been cooperative with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The university has utilized its Responsible Action Protocol and existing Prevention & Awareness Campaigns to reinforce ethical standards. These programs, with an original focus on general student conduct, are undergoing adaptation to include mandatory sessions on the risks of predatory bettors and point-shaving.

The Billikens have also opted into a major settlement with the NCAA, allowing for direct payment of athletes starting with the 2025-26 season. Moreover, the settlement was intended to provide legitimate financial support to athletes while potentially reducing their susceptibility to accepting bribes from gambling syndicates.

The FBI and federal prosecutors continue their probe, with potential additional charges or schools involved.