Former Boston Celtics Guard Terrence Williams Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Healthcare Scam
By Gio Rivera
8 hours ago
Former NBA player Terrence Williams has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted as the ringleader of a $5 million healthcare scam that involved 18 former NBA players. Williams, who was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2011, pleaded guilty to the charges in August of 2022.
In a New York court, Williams expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “I one million percent take full accountability for my role in this case,” according to the Associated Press. The 36-year-old player admitted to relying on fraudulent medical records to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan.
Williams, who earned over $6 million during his four-year stint in the league, was ordered to pay the NBA over $3 million in restitution and forfeitures. It was revealed that he recruited others, including former Celtics player Glen Davis, to join in the scam and threatened those who failed to repay him with a fee. Williams even went as far as impersonating a health plan employee.
According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Terrence Williams led an extensive scheme to steal millions of dollars from the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. Williams involved medical professionals and others to expand his criminal conspiracy and went to the extent of threatening a witness to further his criminal endeavors. “For his brazen criminal acts, Williams now faces years in prison,” stated the U.S. Attorney.
The NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan was established to assist both current and former players, as well as their families, with healthcare-related expenses. The scheme orchestrated by Williams undermined the integrity of the plan and defrauded the league of significant funds.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining trust and accountability within professional sports organizations and the need for strict action against those who attempt to exploit the system. The NBA will continue to work diligently to protect the interests and well-being of its players.