Former Detroit Pistons player Will Bynum was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of conspiring to make false statements related to NBA players submitting false dental and medical claims to the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. More than 20 people, including former NBA players, have been convicted in this scandal. Bynum was also ordered to forfeit $182,000 and pay restitution of $182,000 in Manhattan federal court.
Court documents revealed that Bynum, along with other former NBA players like Terrence Williams and Keyon Dooling, participated in a scheme to defraud the plan from 2018 to 2019. Williams and Dooling, who pleaded guilty to charges, were previously sentenced to 10 years and 30 months in prison, respectively. Bynum allegedly received fake invoices purporting to show $200,000 in medical services he had received from a chiropractor in the Los Angeles area, which never actually occurred.
Bynum testified at his trial, but prosecutors claimed that he committed perjury and obstructed justice. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Bynum had lied to the jury while under oath and that his sentencing serves as a warning that anyone attempting to defraud and obstruct justice will face prison time. Bynum, who played for the Pistons for six seasons and averaged 8.1 points and 3.3 assists in 360 games, has now been sentenced for his involvement in the insurance fraud scandal.
The case involving NBA insurance fraud has seen numerous convictions, with more than 20 individuals, including former NBA players, facing consequences for their participation in the scheme. Bynum’s sentencing is the latest development in this ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities related to medical and dental claims submitted to the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. The severity of the charges and the resulting sentences for those convicted highlight the importance of upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for fraudulent behavior.
The actions taken by Bynum, Williams, and Dooling, among others, to defraud the NBA insurance plan have led to serious legal repercussions and prison time for those involved. The case has shed light on the prevalence of insurance fraud within professional sports and the consequences that individuals face when engaging in such illegal activities. It serves as a cautionary tale for others who may consider participating in fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving insurance providers and benefits plans.
Bynum’s conviction and subsequent sentencing demonstrate the serious nature of his crimes and the impact they have had on the integrity of the NBA insurance system. The fact that multiple former NBA players have been implicated in this scandal underscores the importance of honesty and ethical behavior in professional sports. As the legal proceedings continue and more individuals are held accountable for their actions, it is clear that justice will be served, and those involved in insurance fraud schemes will face the consequences of their illegal activities.
