Full Breakdown
NCAA Bans Two Former Fordham Basketball Players Over Alleged Game-Manipulation Betting Scheme
4/30/2026, 3:08:48 AM
Permanent NCAA Ineligibility for Former Fordham Players
The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruled former Fordham men’s basketball athletes Elijah Gray and Will Richardson permanently ineligible after finding they were linked to a game-manipulation betting scheme.
Investigation Overview
The probe stemmed from a sports-betting inquiry that recorded Gray, Richardson and another student-athlete discussing “throwing a game for money.” State regulators confirmed a $10,000 wager on a February 2024 Fordham game, betting the opponent would win. The bettor, indicted on wire-fraud and bribery charges, was linked to the players via social-media.
Key Figures and Data
Gray, a 6-foot-8 forward, played two seasons (2022-24) at Fordham before transferring to Temple and later to Wisconsin, dismissed in October 2024; Richardson, a 6-foot-3 guard, played three seasons (2022-25) before transferring to Albany, dismissed in December 2024. Bettor Antonio Blakeney, former NBA player, communicated with both. A $10,000 bet was placed on the February 2024 game. Scoring averages differ: Fox lists Gray 8.2 PPG and Richardson 9.8 PPG; Field Level Media lists Gray 5.7 PPG and Richardson 7.9 PPG.
NCAA Response and Player Opposition
The NCAA classified the conduct as Level 1 violations of its ethical-conduct rules, noting Gray’s provision of information to the bettor and his remorse, and citing Richardson’s non-cooperation as an additional breach. Both were permanently ineligible. Gray said he was offered $10,000-$15,000, reconsidered, and played normally, leading to a Fordham win. Richardson denied involvement, refused to cooperate, and disputed claims of communication after the October interview.
Conflicting Reports
Scoring averages differ: Fox lists Gray 8.2 PPG and Richardson 9.8 PPG; Field Level Media reports Gray 5.7 PPG and Richardson 7.9 PPG. The February 2024 opponent is not identified, and the third student-athlete who overheard the discussion remains unnamed.
Verbatim Quotes
“Two former Fordham men’s basketball players received permanent bans from the NCAA on Tuesday after a lengthy gambling investigation.” — NCAA, Field Level Media
“The Mississippi Gaming Commission noted that a $10,000 bet had been placed on a February 2024 game involving Fordham, where the individual bet that Fordham’s opponent would win," the NCAA wrote in its statement.” — NCAA, Fox News
“Gray admitted to agreeing to participate in the scheme in exchange for a payment of $10,000 to $15,000, but said he reconsidered and played with his normal effort and Fordham won the game.” — Elijah Gray, Field Level Media
“Richardson has denied involvement and he declined to cooperate with the investigation, which itself is an NCAA violation.” — NCAA, Field Level Media
Outlook
The NCAA will monitor compliance and may impose further sanctions if additional violations arise. Federal authorities continue to pursue the bettor and co-conspirators, indicating possible further legal actions.
