Former Alabama State guard TJ Madlock finds himself at the center of a controversy that could end his collegiate career. The NCAA has ruled him permanently ineligible after alleging his involvement in a point‑shaving scheme tied to a December 5 loss to Southern Miss.
Allegations of a $2,000 Fix
According to the NCAA, Madlock and three teammates were part of a FaceTime call with sports bettors who offered $2,000 to throw that game. Madlock insists he never played in the contest, having left the previous game early, and that he never responded to any messages in the chat.
Madlock’s attorney, Don Jackson, has formalized a demand for the NCAA to retract its findings and has warned that legal action may follow if the organization refuses. The player expressed frustration, saying he could not fix a game he was not even participating in.
Beyond the legal fight, Madlock, a senior who averaged 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds this season, previously played professionally in Germany, scoring eight points per game. His father, Tony Madlock, forwarded an email from the NCAA to Alabama State's athletic director and compliance director.
Reports from the Memphis Commercial Appeal and USA TODAY indicate that the university’s athletic department is cooperating with the NCAA’s enforcement staff, which Madlock declined to interview. The situation remains under review as the player seeks a public correction of the allegations.