Terrence Williams, the eleventh choose within the 2009 NBA Draft, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for “masterminding” a plan to defraud the NBA’s Well being and Welfare Profit Plan. Williams, who performed for the Nets, Rockets, Kings, and Celtics, used fraudulent medical invoices to say cash from this system designed to offer well being advantages to present and former NBA gamers. Williams is one in all 18 former gamers charged within the case. 13 have pled responsible, with Williams the primary to be given a penal sentence.

“You have been one more participant who frittered away substantial earnings from the time period if you have been enjoying basketball professionally,” Decide Valerie E. Caproni advised Williams throughout sentencing. “It’s best to have had sufficient cash to be set for all times, however you don’t.” Whereas lots of the former gamers within the case have been journeymen, their profession earnings nonetheless totaled $343 million. “I a million p.c take full accountability for my position on this case,” Williams mentioned, choking up as he blamed the scheme on “stupidity and greed.” Nonetheless, Decide Caproni was unsympathetic, stating that Williams used his large character to “lure” family and friends into the scheme.

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Williams Will get 10 Years

Nonetheless, a 10-year jail sentence shouldn’t be the one punishment that Williams will face. Williams should forfeit $650,000 in private wealth in addition to pay $2.5 million in restitution. Moreover, Caprino ordered Williams to take part in a cash administration course. Williams has been incarcerated since Might 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Williams had engaged in witness tampering by sending threatening texts to potential witnesses.

Throughout sentencing, Williams mentioned he was “humbled and humiliated” by the proceedings. Nonetheless, he additionally blamed his felony exercise on an opioid habit he reportedly developed from painkiller use to handle ache from lingering accidents. It’s unclear the place or when Williams, who resides in Seattle, will serve his time. Williams has six youngsters, two of whom are above the age of 18. He mentioned that he regretted that his jail sentence will separate him from his household. Nonetheless, Decide Capriano mentioned his conduct was “extortionate and aggressive” whereas his motivation “was greed.”

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