NEW YORK -- An indictment in New York Thursday said that 18 former NBA players were charged with defrauding $4 million of the league's welfare and health benefit plans.
A news conference was planned by federal prosecutors for Thursday noon ET to discuss the case brought before Manhattan federal court. Authorities said that 16 of the defendants had been taken into custody by late morning.
The indictment states that the former players participated in a scheme to defraud and cheat the plan by filing false claims for reimbursement for dental and medical expenses that were never actually incurred.
The indictment included 19 people who were charged with the offense. According to the indictment, the scheme was executed between 2017 and 2020 when false claims totaling approximately $3.9 million were received. The fraudulent proceeds totaled about $2.5million.
Tony Allen, a six time all-defensive selection and a member of the 2008 champion Boston Celtics along with his wife, was one of those who were charged. The majority of the ex-players had a journeyman career, playing for many teams, but never reaching the same stardom and salary as top players.
Sebastian Telfair was another ex-player charged. He was a former star at New York's high school, and was highly regarded when he went pro. However, his NBA career with eight teams never saw the stardom many expected.
Four NBA champions were among those charged. Glen Davis and Allen were both part of the Boston 2008 title team. Shannon Brown won two championships with Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, while Melvin Ely won a title in San Antonio Spurs 2007.
Tony Wroten and Ruben Patterson were among those who were charged. Darius Miles was the only player who had an average of double figures during their NBA careers.
Wroten scored an average of 11.1 points over 145 career games. Patterson averaged 10.7 point per game for six teams. Miles, the No. Miles, the No. 3 pick in 2000's draft, averaged 10.2 points per game while playing for four franchises.
