Former NBA Stars Convicted in $5M Scam

In a major legal blow, ex-NBA players Glen Davis and William Bynum faced conviction on Wednesday for their involvement in a scheme targeting the NBA Players' Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. The U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York revealed the duo's guilt in conspiracy charges, exposing fabricated claims for dental and medical procedures that never took place.

Prosecution's Perspective

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams highlighted, "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."


Timeline of Deceit Unveiled

The case unfolded in October 2021 when 18 former NBA players, including Davis and Bynum, were accused of stealing $2.5 million through fraudulent medical and dental claims. Prosecutors unveiled that the players submitted $4 million in phony claims, obtaining $2.5 million from the league's Health and Welfare Benefits Plan for chiropractic and dental services that were never provided.

Ringleader's Sentence

In a subsequent development, Terrence Williams, the mastermind behind the scheme, received a 10-year prison sentence in August 2023. Prosecutors revealed that Williams recruited other former NBA players, providing them with false invoices for procedures to submit for reimbursement. Players then paid Williams a kickback from the sum received for the fraudulent medical claim.

Player Profiles

Glen Davis, 37, enjoyed an eight-season NBA career, securing an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. His last stint was in the 2014-15 season with the LA Clippers.

William Bynum, 40, last played in the NBA during the 2014-15 season with the Washington Wizards.