Journalist Pablo Torre has publicly identified Antonio Blakeney, a former Chicago Bulls guard, as the previously unnamed “Co-Conspirator 1” in the ongoing NBA gambling scandal. This revelation stems from the federal indictment tied to the “Nothing But Bet” investigation, which has already implicated Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The news emerged on Torre’s YouTube series, Pablo Torre Finds Out, and was subsequently confirmed by multiple law-enforcement sources.
Background and Details of Blakeney’s Alleged Role
The federal charges revealed that “Co-Conspirator 1” was described as a former NBA player residing in Florida, who allegedly profited from insider information. Although the grand jury kept his identity confidential until now, Blakeney had previously been named in a separate indictment that examined a broader scheme involving point-shaving and game-fixing across the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
Torre’s investigation suggests that Blakeney was a key originator of this extensive gambling ring. While playing for the Jiangsu Dragons in China, Blakeney allegedly recruited teammates to test the viability of manipulating game outcomes. This pilot phase reportedly preceded the expansion of the operation into American professional and college basketball.
Allegations and Methods of Game Manipulation
Federal authorities claim that Blakeney and co-defendants conspired to alter game results during the 2025 season. According to indictment details, after the season concluded, co-defendant Marves Fairley reportedly left nearly $200,000 in cash in a Florida storage unit rented by Blakeney. This sum was described as payment and earnings from the fixed games. The scheme extended beyond China, as Fairley and others targeted more than 39 NCAA Division I players across over 17 programs, attempting to influence upwards of 29 games by paying athletes to underperform or skip play.
The fixers deliberately pursued players they perceived as vulnerable due to minimal Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings, aiming to exploit financial need to secure cooperation. Players were offered bribes ranging between $10,000 and $30,000 per game to enforce this manipulation.
Blakeney’s Career and Current Status
Blakeney, who went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, secured a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls and appeared in 76 NBA games from 2017 through 2019. After leaving the NBA, he continued his career overseas and is currently playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel. His team holds competitive positions in both the EuroLeague and the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
Despite intense scrutiny following the indictment’s unsealing, Blakeney has remained silent with no public comments. His coach, Dimitris Itoudis, stated that the team has no concerns regarding Blakeney’s dedication or character amid the investigation.
Legal Consequences and Broader Implications
If proven guilty of wire fraud and related charges in the United States, Blakeney could face serious penalties including up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for three years, and a $250,000 fine. The implications of these charges touch not only Blakeney’s personal and professional future but also deepen concerns about the integrity of basketball leagues internationally.
This scandal underscores the vulnerability of sports organizations to illicit gambling operations and raises questions about current oversight within professional and collegiate basketball. The investigation’s continuation will likely affect players, teams, and governing bodies as authorities pursue accountability and reinforce protections against corruption.
Former LSU star and Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney is the unnamed ‘Co-Conspirator 1’ in the NBA gambling scandal, according to law-enforcement officials — and he’s still playing. This is the real original sin — but he is continuing to exist under the radar,
Pablo Torre, Journalist
NEW INVESTIGATION: Former LSU star and Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney is the unnamed "Co-Conspirator 1" in the NBA gambling scandal, according to law-enforcement officials — and he's still playing.
"This… is the real original sin — but he is continuing to exist under the radar." pic.twitter.com/YNlXo4PaVC
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) February 26, 2026
Following Hapoel Tel Aviv's victory over Netanya I asked Head Coach Dimitrios Itoudis about the serious allegations against Antonio Blakeney and if he or the team have lost trust in the player as well as could this hurt the club down the road:
"First of all, we as a club and the… pic.twitter.com/CWyuEkamUs
— Sports Rabbi (@thesportsrabbi) January 18, 2026
