NC A&T Basketball Players Fixing Allegations Center on Federal Point-Shaving and Illegal Sports Betting Scheme
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Federal prosecutors say a college basketball game involving North Carolina A&T State University was allegedly manipulated from the inside, with two Aggies players accused of agreeing to intentionally underperform so gamblers could cash in.
According to a federal indictment unsealed, former NC A&T guard Camian Shell and another unnamed player are accused of participating in a point-shaving scheme tied to a Feb. 29, 2024 matchup against Towson University.
The case is part of a sweeping federal investigation into alleged illegal sports betting, money laundering, and game manipulation spanning multiple NCAA programs across the country.
The investigation traces back to concerns first raised publicly in 2023, when federal authorities began examining unusually large and coordinated wagers placed on select men’s college basketball games. One of those early red flags involved a January 2023 game where bettors heavily wagered against NC A&T.
While that game sparked attention, prosecutors say the criminal conduct outlined in the indictment centers on the 2024 Towson matchup, where sportsbooks listed Towson as a 7-point favorite in the first half.
Investigators allege that a group of “fixers” — including former NBA player Antonio Blakeney, along with Jalen Smith and Roderick Winkler — recruited Shell and another NC A&T player to deliberately affect the outcome.
NEARLY HALF A MILLION DOLLARS BET ON THE FIRST HALF
Court records allege that additional co-conspirators, Marves Fairley and Shane Hennen, placed at least $458,000 in wagers across various sportsbooks, betting that Towson would outscore NC A&T by more than seven points before halftime and win the game outright.
Federal prosecutors say the bets were carefully coordinated through text messages and phone calls.
According to the indictment, Shell was allegedly instructed to make sure the game wasn’t close early on — a message he reportedly acknowledged.
THE GAME PLAYED OUT EXACTLY AS BET
Towson jumped out to a 42–21 halftime lead, easily covering the first-half spread. NC A&T performed better in the second half, but the damage was already done. Towson ultimately won 84–58, allowing the gamblers to cash in.
Prosecutors allege Shell and the unnamed player intentionally underperformed during the first half, exactly as planned.
TEXTS ABOUT THE PAYOFF
After the final buzzer, investigators say Jalen Smith contacted Shell about arranging delivery of the promised bribe payment in Greensboro.
When Shell raised concerns about meeting due to basketball obligations, Smith suggested involving another person — an idea Shell allegedly rejected outright.
Court filings say Shell responded with messages expressing distrust and asking how much money was supposed to be delivered, referencing concerns about someone else “touching” the cash.
SHELL TRANSFERRED AFTER LEAVING A&T
Shell later left North Carolina A&T and transferred to Delaware State University, where he played during the 2025–26 season.
NC A&T officials emphasized that the university itself is not accused of wrongdoing.
NC A&T RESPONDS
In a statement, the university said it is aware of the indictment and stressed that neither the school nor the NCAA enforcement staff allege institutional involvement.
The university reiterated its commitment to NCAA rules, ethical conduct, and competitive integrity.
