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Ohio State University released a statement Friday responding to a federal indictment tied to a large scale men college basketball point shaving scheme uncovered by the US Attorney Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The case involves more than 39 players across 17 NCAA Division I programs, with dozens of games allegedly fixed over the past two seasons by a gambling ring that included a former NBA player.
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Following public release of the indictment, Ohio State Department of Athletics addressed the situation with a social media post on X, making clear the program was not involved.
“We are aware of the ongoing investigation into alleged point shaving in NCAA men college basketball. Although many of you would think our play on the court says otherwise, we have not been involved in any point shaving scheme whatsoever. We are just not very good. Wanted to clear that up. On a positive note, our first football game is only 232 days away.”
No Ohio State players were charged or referenced in the case.
According to the indictment, 20 of the 26 defendants played college basketball during the 2023 24 and or 2024 25 seasons.
Four charged players have appeared for their teams in the past week. Those players include Simeon Cottle, Carlos Hart, Camian Shell, and Oumar Koureissi.
Allegations involving Hart, Shell, and Koureissi relate to their prior schools. Cottle alleged conduct dates back to the 2023 24 season. None of the allegations stem from games played during the current season.
Eastern Michigan confirmed Hart has been suspended from all team activities pending resolution of the case. Kennesaw State said Cottle has been suspended indefinitely.
Federal prosecutors described five defendants as fixers who recruited players to participate in the scheme. Bribes allegedly ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 in exchange for intentionally underperforming in specific games.
Bettors linked to the ring then placed wagers on those games, generating millions of dollars in winnings.
Former NBA player Antonio Blakeney was named in the indictment but was not charged in that filing. Prosecutors allege Blakeney participated in recruiting players and facilitating bribe payments. He has been charged separately.
Blakeney previously played at LSU and spent two seasons with the Chicago Bulls from 2017 to 2019. He later played professionally in China and Israel.
A conviction for bribery in sporting contests carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud or wire fraud carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.