A Dark Deal in College Basketball
The NCAA announced this week that four members of the Alabama State men’s basketball team have been banned for life after an investigation revealed they conspired to fix a game against Southern Miss in December 2024.
The contest, played on Dec. 5, 2024, saw Southern Miss rally from a halftime deficit to secure an 81‑64 victory. While the Golden Eagles surged in the second half, the Crimson Tide’s performance was later determined to be pre‑arranged.
Court documents indicate that two external bettors paid each of the players $2,000 to ensure the predetermined outcome. The financial transaction was traced through bank records and witness testimony, leading to wire‑fraud and bribery charges against the bettors.
The scheme unraveled when Corey Hines, who had contributed 18 points in 31 minutes, transferred to Temple University and disclosed the arrangement to the NCAA. His revelation prompted a swift inquiry that culminated in the severe sanctions.
All four athletes — Amarr Knox, Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines and Tony Madlock — have been barred from NCAA competition for the remainder of their collegiate careers. Knox, a leading scorer for Alabama State during the 2024‑25 season, had recently hit a game‑winning layup in the 2025 First Four, while Fulcher and Hines were also among the team’s top contributors.
The scandal underscores the lengths to which some players will go to manipulate outcomes for personal gain, and it serves as a warning to programs nationwide that the integrity of college basketball will be rigorously enforced.