Timothy McCormack Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for NBA Betting Scandal
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) handles the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
A federal judge in Brooklyn delivered a two-year prison sentence Wednesday to Timothy McCormack, marking the first conviction in a major NBA gambling scandal that has rocked professional basketball. McCormack was found guilty of defrauding sports betting platforms by using nonpublic information to place highly profitable wagers tied to NBA player performances.
Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall handed down the sentence, which fell below the four-year term sought by federal prosecutors. McCormack’s defense team had pushed for no prison time, citing his gambling addiction as a mitigating factor.
McCormack’s gambling addiction takes center stage
« I’ve struggled with a gambling addiction for more than half my life, » McCormack said during his sentencing hearing. His attorney, Jeffrey Chartier, emphasized the severity of his client’s condition, telling the court: « He was a degenerate gambler. It’s one of the ones you could make a movie about. »
Judge DeArcy Hall expressed sympathy for McCormack’s addiction while acknowledging the serious nature of his crimes. « He has an addiction, » she said. « I don’t believe the conduct Mr. McCormack engaged in defines him. » However, she also agreed with prosecutors that McCormack’s actions undermined sports integrity, stating: « There is no question this is a serious crime. Sports matters to me as an individual, as it should to society. »
Broader conspiracy involves NBA stars
The case is part of a sweeping conspiracy that allegedly involves former NBA players Terry Rozier and Jontay Porter. Prosecutor David Berman conceded that McCormack was « not as culpable as some of his co-conspirators » but emphasized his crucial role in the scheme. « Without people like the defendant, these schemes can’t work, » Berman told the judge, describing McCormack’s actions as contributing to a « cold, hard fraud. »
Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors player, pleaded guilty in 2024 to wire fraud conspiracy and has been banned for life from the NBA. He awaits sentencing. Terry Rozier, currently on unpaid leave from the Miami Heat, faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty in December and is free on $3 million bond.
McCormack must report to prison on April 20 and will serve one year of supervised release afterward, during which he is prohibited from gambling. The judge notably omitted a secondary prohibition on casino visits, observing that « gambling is available on anybody’s phone. »
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