Glen Davis & Will Bynum Convicted For Defrauding NBA Health Care System

Retired NBA players Glen Davis and Will Bynum were convicted in Manhattan for their parts in an expansive scheme to defraud the league’s health care system. They are awaiting a sentencing hearing and could face jail time, where they would join three former players who have already been sentenced.

The scheme allegedly involved 18 ex-players submitting fake reimbursement claims to the league’s health and welfare benefit plan. This apparently earned the group $5 million.

Terrence Williams, a 2009 first-round draft pick, was sentenced to 10 years in August for leading other players to engage in the scheme. Alan Anderson and Keyon Dooling have also received prison sentences for smaller roles. The other 13 indicted players have not yet been convicted.

New York attorney Damian Williams, who oversees the Southern District, released a statement after Davis and Bynum were convicted.

“Moments ago, a Manhattan jury convicted former NBA players Ronald Glen Davis and William Bynum of a criminal scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. While many of the more than 20 defendants convicted in this case were well-known NBA stars, their conduct was otherwise a typical fraudulent scheme designed to defraud the NBA’s health care plan and net the defendants over $5 million in illicit profits. Today’s conviction exemplifies that despite notoriety or success in sports or any other field, no one is exempt from criminal charges if they engage in fraud.”

Based on Williams’ sentencing in August, Bynum and Davis should receive lighter sentences. But based on New York laws concerning wire fraud and health care fraud, the pair could receive at least 20 years with a maximum sentence.

Davis played in the NBA for eight seasons and notably spent four years with the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2009. Bynum was a member of the Detroit Pistons for most of his eight NBA seasons.

Article by Patrick Moquin