Former Gambling Addict Receives Two-Year Prison Sentence in NBA Conspiracy Case
On January 21, 2026, Timothy McCormack, a self-proclaimed gambling addict, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a conspiracy involving NBA players Terry Rozier and Jontay Porter. The sentence, handed down by federal judge LaShann DeArcy Hall in Brooklyn, was less than the four years sought by the government, but more than the defense’s request for no prison time.
McCormack’s case is part of a larger investigation into a scheme in which nonpublic information was used to place highly profitable wagers tied to the performance of NBA players allegedly involved in the conspiracy. At his sentencing, McCormack spoke about his struggles with gambling addiction, which he said had plagued him for more than half his life. “I’ve struggled with a gambling addiction for more than half my life,” McCormack said.
The judge acknowledged McCormack’s addiction, but also emphasized the seriousness of the crime. “He has an addiction,” DeArcy Hall said. “I don’t believe the conduct Mr. McCormack engaged in defines him.” However, she also stated that McCormack’s actions had undermined the integrity of sports, saying “There is no question this is a serious crime… Sports matters to me as an individual, as it should to society.”
Conspiracy Involving NBA Players
Rozier, who is currently on unpaid leave from the Miami Heat, pleaded not guilty in December to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges related to the scheme. He is free on $3 million bond and is not expected to return to court until March. Porter, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge in 2024, admitting that he had schemed to take himself out of games for gambling purposes. He has been banned from the NBA and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutor David Berman argued that McCormack had contributed to a “cold, hard fraud,” saying “Without people like the defendant, these schemes can’t work.” However, he also conceded that McCormack was “not as culpable as some of his co-conspirators.”
Impact on Sports Integrity
The case highlights the ongoing concerns about the integrity of sports, particularly in the context of gambling. As Judge DeArcy Hall noted, sports play a significant role in society, and any attempts to compromise their integrity can have far-reaching consequences. The sentence handed down to McCormack serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed by the courts.
Aaron Katersky of ABC News contributed to this report. For more information on the case and its implications for sports integrity, readers can consult the official court documents and statements from the NBA and other relevant authorities.
