Will Bynum, a former player for the Detroit Pistons for six years, has been found guilty of NBA insurance fraud. He has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.
The jury reached this decision in November. Bynum, aged 41 and from Bensenville, Illinois, was convicted of conspiring to create false statements regarding NBA players’ fraudulent dental and medical claims.
This was related to the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. The sentencing took place in federal court in Manhattan.
Over 20 individuals, including ex-NBA players, were implicated in this case. Judge Valerie E. Caproni presided over the trial and sentenced Bynum.
During his career, Bynum averaged 8.1 points and 3.3 assists per game in 360 games. As part of his punishment, he has to forfeit $182,000 and pay $182,000 in reparations.
Will Bynum Found to Be Lying During the Testimonial
Court documents revealed that from 2018 to 2019, Bynum collaborated with other former NBA players, such as Terrence Williams and Keyon Dooling, to defraud the plan. Williams and Dooling had previously pleaded guilty and received sentences of 10 years and 30 months, respectively.
Bynum allegedly received fake invoices from another ex-NBA player, claiming payment for medical treatments in Los Angeles that were never provided. He testified during the trial, but prosecutors accused him of obstructing justice and committing perjury.
In a press conference, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated, “The defendant participated in a broad criminal scheme targeting a health care benefit plan. He also lied to the jury while under oath. His sentence serves as a warning that those who engage in fraud and obstruct justice will face prison time.”
Before this case, Williams and Dooling had pleaded guilty and received sentences of 10 years and 30 months, respectively. Another defendant, Ronald Glen Davis, will be sentenced on May 9, 2024, after being found guilty of wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and making false statements related to healthcare.
Bynum and Davis went to trial together in November 2023, with Bynum testifying on his own behalf. However, his testimony was found to be false, leading to further legal consequences.
