41 YO Ex-NBA Star Avoids Jail Time After Paying Back $450,000 in a $5,000,000 Healthcare Fraud

The life of an NBA athlete can be very tumultuous, to say the least. Filled with various ups and downs, from injuries to failed relationships, the toll of being a pro-athlete comes with a price. While successes in the NBA might be rewarding, it doesn’t necessarily set you up for life. Many former NBA players have filed for bankruptcy post-retirement. It just goes to show that not everything that sparkles is gold.

One of the more recent examples of stars just falling off the league is the case of Isaiah Thomas. The former Boston Celtics man was an important cog in the team but was swiftly replaced post-injuries. Another similar case where an NBA star fell off the grid is former Maverick’s star Delonte West. Found panhandling in the streets of Dallas, West’s case is a prime example of players not being ready for life post-retirement. Another ex-NBA star recently avoided jail time, as he was found guilty of a healthcare fraud.

41-year-old star found guilty of healthcare fraud

While many players have failed to come to grips with life post-retirement, this case here is a little special. Where most people have been failed by the NBA after their careers, this case instead saw a player take advantage of the NBA. Former Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen recently escaped jail time after he was found guilty of healthcare fraud.

Attempting to take advantage of the NBA Players? Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, Allen, alongside 17 other players, was accused of defrauding the NBA as they submitted fake claims for medical and dental services.

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Defrauding the NBA for over $5 million, Allen alongside teammate Glen Davis claimed to have six root canals on the same teeth in one day as they took advantage of NBA’s welfare plan. The once-defensive juggernaut was sentenced to community service and supervision, as he was found to have returned the $450,000, the amount that he defrauded.

Former Celtics star avoids jail time as another isn’t so lucky

Having won the NBA championship with the Celtics during his time in the NBA, not many would have expected to see Tony Allen on the 8 o’clock news. Pleading guilty to the charges, Allen was absolved of harsh punishment as he received a sentence of community service.

According to an article on Mass Live the former star has been quoted as saying. “I fully acknowledge my individual responsibility and I understand the gravity of my actions. As a member of the NBA community, I failed to uphold our core values.”

While the guard was let off the hook, another Celtics star was given a harsher punishment as he was pinned as the mastermind behind the scheme. Terrence Williams was handed a 10-year prison sentence after he was deemed to be the main perpetrator behind the scheme.

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