NCAA Bans Fordham Players in Betting Scandal

The NCAA has ruled two former Fordham men’s basketball players permanently ineligible following findings that they were involved in a point-shaving scheme connected to a broader federal investigation into sports betting-related corruption.

Elijah Gray and Will Richardson received lifetime bans after the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions concluded that both players engaged with a bettor who sought to manipulate a February 2024 game against Duquesne. The case forms part of a larger federal indictment unsealed earlier this year, which includes more than two dozen individuals accused of coordinating game-fixing activity.

According to investigators, the players were approached by individuals posing as representatives offering assistance with name, image and likeness opportunities. Authorities later determined those individuals were linked to illicit betting activity.

NCAA Findings Detail Player Involvement

The NCAA determined that both Gray and Richardson agreed to participate in a plan to influence the outcome of a game in exchange for payments ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

Investigators said the scheme centered on Fordham’s matchup with Duquesne on Feb. 23, 2024. Evidence reviewed by the NCAA included testimony from a third party who reported overhearing discussions about deliberately underperforming in return for money.

Betting activity also raised concerns. Regulators flagged a $10,000 wager placed on Fordham’s opponent shortly before the game, prompting further investigation into potential connections between bettors and players.

Despite the alleged arrangement, the game did not unfold as expected for those behind the scheme. Fordham won 79-67.

Gray told investigators that he initially agreed to the plan but later withdrew. He said he played the game normally and did not accept payment.

The NCAA said Gray “agreed that he violated ethical conduct rules by providing information to a known bettor” and “expressed remorse for his actions.”

Richardson, by contrast, did not cooperate with the investigation. The NCAA stated he provided false information and failed to engage with enforcement staff.

Federal Case Expands Scope

The NCAA’s action ties into a wider federal probe in Pennsylvania, where prosecutors have charged multiple individuals with offenses including bribery in sporting contests and wire fraud.

Gray is among those named in the federal case. He has agreed to plead guilty and is scheduled for sentencing in July.

As reported by the Associated Press, authorities allege that individuals involved in the scheme recruited players across multiple programs by presenting themselves as agents capable of facilitating NIL deals. The strategy allowed bettors to build relationships with athletes and attempt to influence performance.

Court documents indicate that more than 26 individuals have been linked to the broader investigation, reflecting the scale of the alleged network.

Another player, former Kennesaw State guard Simeon Cottle, was also connected to the federal indictment. The NCAA said he did not cooperate with its investigation, which triggered a ruling of permanent ineligibility. However, Cottle had already exhausted his collegiate eligibility.

Both Fordham players left the program after the 2023-24 season.

Gray transferred to Temple before later moving to Wisconsin, where he was dismissed from the program due to issues related to events prior to his arrival. Richardson transferred to Albany but did not compete during the subsequent season.

Neither player has participated in NCAA competition since the 2024-25 campaign.

Statistics from their final season show Gray averaged 8.2 points per game across 32 appearances, while Richardson averaged 9.8 points and logged more than 27 minutes per contest.

The NCAA’s enforcement decision ends any possibility of a return to college basketball for both players.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about gambling influence in college athletics, particularly as sports betting expands and NIL opportunities create new points of contact between athletes and outside parties.

The NCAA has increased monitoring of betting-related activity in recent years, often working with gaming regulators to identify suspicious wagers.

In this instance, cooperation between regulators and investigators helped identify irregular betting patterns tied to the Fordham game.

The organization has indicated it will continue to pursue violations linked to sports wagering and maintain strict penalties for those found to have compromised the integrity of competition.

The fallout from the federal case continues to unfold, with additional legal proceedings expected in the coming months.