Former NBA player Terrence Williams (36) has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for committing a fraud worth almost five million dollars, related to the health and social insurance of players in the strongest basketball league in the world.
Williams is among 18 former basketball players who were arrested two years ago for defrauding the NBA league, obtaining millions in material benefits. The league provides health and social protection for players after their careers, but Williams and his group exploited it to make extra money, despite already earning substantial amounts during their careers. They submitted false medical and dental reports to claim reimbursement from the league. The investigation exposed their scheme, resulting in the arrest of all 18 players, with Williams being the mastermind.
As part of the operation, Williams procured false invoices for medical services from his former colleagues, who paid him significant sums of money in return. He charged at least $230,000 for services provided to at least ten other players, causing a total claim of nearly five million dollars. This fraudulent activity led to his 10-year prison sentence.
Judge Valerie E. Caproni, during the sentencing, expressed disappointment in Williams, pointing out that he squandered the significant earnings he made as a professional basketball player, which amounted to almost seven million dollars. She accused him of using his influence to commit fraud, and highlighted that he chose not to find a legitimate job, instead relying on ill-gotten gains to avoid work, showing a lack of consideration for others.
In response, Williams pleaded guilty and took full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that he was stupid and greedy. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay compensation of 2.5 million dollars.
Interestingly, while Williams faces imprisonment, the other defendants, including well-known names who collectively earned 343 million dollars during their careers, will avoid going behind bars. Among them are Alan Anderson, Sebastian Telfair, Tony Wroten, and Will Bynum.
Terrence Williams was selected as the 11th pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Throughout his NBA career, he played for the Nets and Rockets, with brief stints at the Kings and Celtics. He later played in Europe, China, and countries in Central America. Over the course of his NBA career, he appeared in 158 games and averaged seven points per game.
