Glen “Big Baby” Davis, the former Boston Celtics champion, has been found guilty of defrauding the NBA’s Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. Alongside fellow ex-NBA player Will Bynum, Davis was involved in a criminal scheme to swindle the league out of a significant amount of money by accepting reimbursement for medical treatments he never received.
Key Takeaway
Glen “Big Baby” Davis, along with other former NBA players, has been convicted of defrauding the NBA’s healthcare plan by filing false reimbursement claims. The scheme netted the defendants over $5 million in illicit profits. This serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their status, is exempt from criminal charges if they engage in fraudulent activities.
The Verdict
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday that a jury had determined Davis’s involvement in the fraudulent scheme. This scheme also implicated several other NBA alums, including Darius Miles, Shannon Brown, Tony Allen, Jamario Moon, Tony Wroten, Melvin Ely, and Ruben Patterson. Prosecutors claimed that Terrence Williams, a 2009 NBA Draft first-round pick, orchestrated the entire operation.
The Scheme
The accused individuals, despite their success in the world of professional basketball, allegedly filed bogus claims for reimbursement with the NBA’s healthcare plan. These claims aimed to line their pockets and illegally profit from the system. The defendants collectively managed to amass over $5 million in illicit profits through this fraudulent scheme.
No Exceptions
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that the conviction of these high-profile individuals sends a strong message. He stated, “Today’s conviction exemplifies that despite notoriety or success in sports or any other field, no one is exempt from criminal charges if they engage in fraud.” This case serves as a reminder that even those who have achieved fame and fortune are not immune to the consequences of their actions.
