Quick Summary
- NCAA investigation uncovered that four former Alabama State players conspired to deliberately lose a December 2024 contest against Southern Mississippi in exchange for money
- The NCAA declared Amarr Knox, Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock permanently ineligible from collegiate competition
- The conspiracy was orchestrated through group messaging, a video call, and culminated in a $2,000 cash payout divided among participants
- Federal authorities indicted two of the players in January 2026 on charges including bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud
- The investigation began after FBI agents contacted Corey Hines following his move to Temple University
The NCAA has issued permanent eligibility bans to four former Alabama State University basketball players following an investigation that revealed they intentionally lost a December 2024 game in return for financial compensation.
According to findings released by the NCAA’s Division I Committee on Infractions, Amarr Knox, Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock participated in a scheme orchestrated by outside gamblers who offered payment to ensure an Alabama State loss against Southern Mississippi.
The athletes collectively received $2,000 for their participation.
The Conspiracy Takes Shape
The plot originated when Fulcher brought his fellow players into a group messaging thread that included one of the gamblers. On game day morning, the athletes participated in a FaceTime video conference with the bettor.
During the video conversation, Madlock informed the group he was dealing with an injury and wouldn’t participate in the game. Knox subsequently confirmed to NCAA investigators that the group reached an agreement to intentionally lose the contest.
The gambler proposed cash compensation in return for ensuring a loss. The players executed the plan, and payment was distributed following the game’s conclusion.
The Investigation Unfolds
The scandal came to light in July 2025 when Temple University notified NCAA enforcement officials that Corey Hines had been approached by federal investigators.
FBI agents had presented Hines with text message evidence linked to the gambling conspiracy. This disclosure sparked a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with all four athletes involved.
Knox chose to cooperate fully and acknowledged his participation in the scheme. Fulcher and Hines both denied engaging in conversations with bettors and insisted they hadn’t wagered personally, though evidence contradicted their statements.
Investigators discovered that Fulcher had placed wagers through a daily fantasy sports platform. Hines refused to provide requested text message records following his interview.
Madlock, whose collegiate eligibility had already expired, refused to participate in the investigation entirely.
Criminal Prosecution Initiated
In January 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania brought federal indictments against Fulcher and Hines.
The criminal charges encompass bribery in sports wagering contests, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The NCAA infractions committee, consisting of Norman Bay, Susan Lipnickey, and Steve Waterfield, determined that all four players should receive permanent ineligibility status.
The committee emphasized that providing false information to investigators or declining to cooperate constitutes a violation of NCAA regulations in itself.
“Failure to cooperate in an NCAA investigation, including knowingly providing false information during an interview, violates NCAA rules,” the report stated.
The NCAA further clarified that athletes who receive permanent ineligibility can only regain their status if an NCAA member institution formally petitions for their reinstatement.
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