Shane Hennen Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Sports Betting and Point-Shaving Schemes
Former professional gambler “Sugar” Shane Hennen pleaded guilty on Wednesday to orchestrating two of the most high-profile betting schemes this century that manipulated professional and collegiate basketball games. Hennen entered his guilty plea to charges of sports bribery, wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and money laundering across two separate federal cases.
The Justice Department states that Hennen faces a maximum sentence of 125 years in prison and $1.75 million in fines. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2027.
How the International and Collegiate Fixes Unfolded
Federal prosecutors detailed two distinct operations run by Hennen and co-conspirator Marves “Vez” Fairley between 2022 and 2025. In the first scheme, Hennen and Fairley targeted the Chinese Basketball Association by approaching former NBA player Antonio Blakeney, who played as a shooting guard for the Jiangsu Dragons. The fixers instructed Blakeney and his teammates to intentionally underperform so the ring could bet against the Dragons.
Shane Hennen, a Las Vegas bettor and card player, is expected to plead guilty in the federal "rigged poker" case, according to a court document filed today.Hennen was charged in indictments involving multiple NBA betting scandals, an alleged college basketball point-shaving…
Prosecutors revealed that players received cash bribes for poor performances, including $200,000 left by Fairley in a Florida storage unit held by Blakeney. Text messages entered into court records show Hennen boasting to a co-conspirator about the predictability of the operation, writing that Nothing gu[a]rantee[d] in this world but death taxes and Chinese basketball.
Following the 2022-23 CBA season, the operation shifted to the NCAA. Prosecutors state that Hennen and Fairley bribed 39 players across more than 17 Division I collegiate men’s basketball teams to underperform during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons to ensure teams failed to cover point spreads.
In the second federal case, prosecutors accused Hennen and Fairley of utilizing non-public information from NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, to place illegal wagers. In one instance, then-Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter messaged a Hennen associate to state he would leave an upcoming game early by feigning an eye injury, allowing conspirators to place bets that netted over $103,000. Porter has since been banned from the NBA for life.
Pending Court Dates and Co-Conspirator Sentencings
Marves Fairley pleaded guilty in May to seven counts across both cases, including bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. Both Fairley and Hennen are scheduled to be sentenced in February 2027. A legal representative for Hennen declined to comment prior to the sentencing hearing.
Both men also face additional charges in a third federal case involving rigged poker games linked to the Mafia. Chauncey Billups and former NBA coach Damon Jones were indicted in the poker case alongside Hennen and Fairley, and Jones pleaded guilty to one of two counts in April.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
What specific charges did Shane Hennen admit to in federal court?
Hennen pleaded guilty to sports bribery, wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and money laundering across two separate federal indictments.
How many college players were involved in the NCAA point-shaving scheme?
Federal prosecutors state that Hennen and Fairley bribed 39 players across more than 17 Division I collegiate men’s basketball teams during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
What is the maximum prison sentence Hennen faces?
According to the Justice Department, Hennen faces a maximum sentence of 125 years in prison and $1.75 million in fines, with his sentencing scheduled for Feb. 25, 2027.
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