Former NBA player Glen “Big Baby” Davis has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme that defrauded the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan of over $5 million. The scheme, orchestrated by more than 20 individuals, including several former NBA players, involved the submission of fictitious dental and medical claims to the insurance plan.
Davis, along with former Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum, was found guilty by a jury in November. Bynum was sentenced last month to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Davis, upon completion of his prison term, will also have three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $80,000 in restitution. Davis’ attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment on the matter.
According to prosecutors, doctors and dentists collaborating with the players fabricated invoices, which were then submitted to the supplemental insurance plan for reimbursement. Davis was convicted of health care fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements, and conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud.
Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who was named the Southeastern Conference player of the year while leading LSU to the 2006 NCAA championship game, played for three teams over eight NBA seasons and was a member of the Boston Celtics’ 2008 title-winning team.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of insurance plans and the consequences that individuals may face when engaging in fraudulent activities. The conviction and sentencing of Davis and Bynum highlight the commitment of New York prosecutors to combat insurance fraud and protect the interests of NBA players and their families.
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What impact does the involvement of professional athletes in fraudulent schemes have on the reputation of the sports industry as a whole?