Full Breakdown
NCAA Bans Two Former Fordham Players for Point-Shaving Scheme
4/29/2026, 10:31:35 PM
NCAA Rulings on the Fordham Point-Shaving Case
The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions announced permanent ineligibility for former Fordham forward Elijah Gray and guard Will Richardson after determining they participated in a point-shaving scheme targeting the Rams’ February 23, 2024 game against Duquesne. Both allegedly accepted $10,000-$15,000 to underperform; Fordham won 79-67. Gray cooperated with investigators; Richardson declined and provided false statements.
Federal Indictment and NIL Agent Ruse
The point-shaving plot formed part of a federal gambling indictment unsealed in January 2024 that charged 29 college athletes and several bettors with game-fixing. Investigators said two bettors posed as NIL agents to solicit the players, linking the scheme to former NBA player Antonio Blakeney, bettor Marves Fairley, and associate Shane Hennen.
Players and Alleged Bettors
Elijah Gray, a Fordham forward (2022-2024), transferred to Temple and Wisconsin and has pleaded guilty in the federal case. Will Richardson, a guard (2022-2025), transferred to Albany and is accused of providing false statements. The alleged bettors include Antonio Blakeney, Marves Fairley, and Shane Hennen.
Key Numbers
Payments offered ranged from $10,000 to $15,000 per player. Fordham defeated Duquesne 79-67. The indictment named 29 players and multiple bettors, including a former NBA athlete. Both players are permanently ineligible and have not competed since the 2024-25 season.
Official Statements
The NCAA noted that Gray violated ethical conduct rules by providing information to a known bettor and expressed remorse. The committee also highlighted Richardson’s refusal to cooperate and his false statements as a breach of investigative integrity.
Criticism of the Scheme
The NCAA’s findings condemn the use of NIL-agent pretenses to solicit game-fixing, stating that such conduct undermines the integrity of collegiate sport and warrants severe sanctions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Gray told investigators he initially agreed to underperform but “reneged on the agreement, played with his usual effort and was not paid.” The NCAA confirmed his agreement to provide information but did not verify that the game was thrown. No payment record exists, and Richardson’s alleged communications remain unverified. Gray’s sentencing is pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gray told the NCAA that he had agreed to lose the game but ultimately reconsidered and said he played with his normal effort in Fordham's win, according to the investigation findings.” — Elijah Gray
- “Gray told NCAA investigators that, although he conspired to underperform during the game, he ultimately reneged on the agreement, played with his usual effort and was not paid by the bettor.” — Elijah Gray
- “Gray said he recognized one of the bettors from AAU tournaments in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.” — Elijah Gray
- “agreed that he violated ethical conduct rules by providing information to a known bettor” — NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions
Future Developments
Gray’s sentencing is set for July 2024. Federal prosecutors continue pursuing charges against the bettors and former NBA player. The NCAA’s enforcement underscores heightened scrutiny of NIL-related recruitment tactics.
