• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Several Americans Banned in British Basketball Game-Fixing Scandal

Charleston Dobbs, Quincy Taylor, Padiet Wang, Josh McFolley, and Shakem Johnson were all sanctioned following a FIBA-led investigation into betting-related corruption during the 2022–23 BBL season.

Quincy Taylor
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Five players have received sweeping international basketball bans after an investigation found they fixed multiple games in the now-defunct British Basketball League.

Four ex-Surrey Scorchers–Charleston Dobbs, Quincy Taylor, Shakem Johnson, and Pediet Wang– are banned for life playing, coaching, or participating in any organized basketball competition worldwide. Josh McFolley, 28, won’t be eligible to return until 2034. 

The penalties follow a far-reaching investigation led by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The investigation launched after multiple reports were filed under the FIBA Integrity Framework and conducted in partnership with the British Basketball Federation (BBF), the Gambling Commission, the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, and other UK gambling regulators.

According to investigators, the match-fixing ring influenced at least six games during the 2022–23 BBL season and was in violation of FIBA’s Code of Conduct and the BBF Anti Corruption Policy.

All five players are American, and several came through U.S. college basketball programs, including Detroit Mercy, Prairie View A&M, and Longwood.

Each of the five players was fined 3,000 pounds ($4,053 U.S.) and issued an original suspension from all basketball activities and participation across Great Britain, according to a joint statement from the BBF and FIBA. Sanctions were issued for both direct match manipulation and failure to report corruption.

All players were given the opportunity to appeal; Taylor and Dobbs turned it down. 

FIBA, as the world governing body, then extended the lifetime suspensions worldwide.

“This case underscores the commitment of FIBA, the BBF, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders to maintaining integrity in sport and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward betting-related corruption,” the Gambling Commission said in a statement. 

The BBL folded in June 2024 after effectively going bankrupt. It was soon replaced by the Super League Basketball (SLB), which now serves as the top-tier professional competition in the UK. 

In response to the sanctions, the SLB declined to issue a formal comment, stating: “This relates to a matter which occurred in a different league and the club is not one of our franchises, as such we don’t feel it appropriate for us to comment.”

The punishments aren’t without precedent. Dean Wanliss, who played for the team prior to 2022, was fined and suspended for three years after being caught betting on basketball games between 2019 and 2021.

In their joint statement, FIBA and the BBF reaffirmed their “zero tolerance to betting and corruption in basketball in Great Britain,” promising continued vigilance as the sport rebuilds its professional presence in the UK.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Kia Nurse (11) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the second half at United Center.

Fever-Sky Draws 1.5M Viewers Despite Clark, Reese Absences

Clark and Reese both missed the game due to injury.
Emmanuel Clase

Emmanuel Clase Gambling Leave Not Costing Finlete Investors—Yet

Clase is the company’s only client currently in the majors.
Jul 22, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (not in uniform) celebrates from the bench in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Man Who Stalked Clark Gets 2 Years in Prison

He sent more than 800 messages and visited Indianapolis to see Clark.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Jun 21, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park.

Guardians Star Closer Put on Paid Leave Amid Gambling Probe

Emmanuel Clase joins fellow Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on paid leave.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 18, 2025

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.
Polymarket
July 21, 2025

Polymarket Set to Become Legal in U.S. After Buying Small Exchange

Derivatives exchange QCX was recently licensed by the CFTC.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena.
July 16, 2025

Terry Rozier’s Attorney Confirms He’s Still Under Federal Gambling Probe

Rozier finished the season playing for the Heat despite the federal probe.
The Department of Justice logo on a podium at the Louisville, Kentucky office. July 1, 2025
July 16, 2025

Prediction Market Platform Polymarket Says It Escaped Federal Probe

Prediction markets are having a moment.
DraftKings
exclusive
July 14, 2025

DraftKings in Talks to Acquire Prediction Market Railbird Exchange

Sportsbooks and prediction markets are becoming increasingly intertwined.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
July 11, 2025

Flutter Acquires Full Ownership of FanDuel in $1.75B Deal With Boyd Gaming

FanDuel just got a $31 billion price tag.