Maverick Carter, the manager of Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, disclosed to federal agents that he had bet on NBA games through an illegal bookie.
Carter’s admission, made in November 2021, detailed his wagers on sports games, although he claimed not to recall placing any bets specifically on the Lakers.
The report, summarizing his interview with federal agents, revealed Carter’s denial of placing bets for others.
Adam Mendelsohn, a spokesperson for Carter and James, clarified the context of the interview, stating that it occurred before sports betting became legalized in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
According to Mendelsohn, Maverick Carter was interviewed as part of an investigation into Wayne Nix.
Still, he was not the target, cooperated fully, faced no charges, and was not contacted again regarding the matter.
The Washington Post‘s review of the report outlined that Carter admitted to placing around 20 bets on football and basketball games within a year, with bet amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each.
It’s important to note that while the NBA strictly prohibits players, team officials, and league officials from betting on league games, and the National Basketball Players Association extends this rule to agents, business managers like Maverick Carter fall outside the scope of these regulations.
The backdrop of this revelation involves Wayne Nix, a former minor league baseball player, who pleaded guilty in April 2022 to operating an illegal sports gambling business and filing a false tax return.
Nix’s operation, spanning two decades, allegedly included current and former professional athletes, such as Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig.
Puig, facing a federal charge related to false statements about his involvement with an illegal gambling operator, has entered a not guilty plea, with his trial scheduled for January.
As the legal proceedings continue, Maverick Carter’s acknowledgment adds a layer of complexity to the broader narrative surrounding illegal betting connections within the sports industry.
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