A Georgia businessman was found guilty on Friday of cheating former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of $8 million through fraudulent schemes centered around the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. The verdict, reached by jurors after just five hours of deliberation, marked the culmination of a high-profile trial held at Manhattan’s federal court.
Calvin Darden Jr., the businessman at the center of the case, was convicted of multiple counts including fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. He was accused of convincing Howard, one of basketball's most dominant centers, to invest $7 million with the false promise of buying the team. Howard, who testified during the trial about being lured by Darden’s promises, expressed his disappointment, stating he felt he received “a slap in the face” for his troubles.
Prosecutors also revealed how Darden duped Parsons, who played for several teams over his nine-year NBA career. He misled Parsons out of $1 million, claiming it would support the development of James Wiseman, the current NBA player drafted second overall. This betrayal had far-reaching consequences not only for both sports figures but also reflected broader issues of trust and fraud prevalent within sports investments.
Evidence presented during the trial showed Darden lavishly spent most of the money obtained from Howard. Prosecutors indicated he used $6.1 million of Howard’s investment on luxury purchases, including two cars, one being a Lamborghini, and extravagant home upgrades worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The funds also purportedly financed $110,000 for a piano and $90,000 for luxury watches. All these expenditures evoked eyebrows and caused the jury to weigh Darden's character heavily during their decision.
This incident is not Darden's first run-in with the law concerning fraudulent activities. He faced sentencing eight years earlier for impersonation, which resulted from attempts to purchase Maxim magazine under false pretenses. Despite being granted some leniency back then for cooperating with authorities, Darden’s latest conviction shows he learned little from past consequences.
Upon the conclusion of the trial, the Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Meade called for Darden to be taken directly to custody. Given Darden’s lengthy history of financial crimes, Meade insisted it was time for him to face the music, arguing he had demonstrated no sign of change. Nevertheless, Darden was allowed to remain free on bail for now, with his lawyer claiming he is needed at home and is unlikely to commit more fraud.
This case has also heightened scrutiny around financial dealings involving professional athletes. Many industry experts and former players voiced their opinions on the systemic vulnerabilities present within these transactions. With athletes often lacking business acumen or knowledge about financial investments, they can quickly become targets for unscrupulous individuals eager to exploit their wealth.
Howard's remarkable rise within basketball became shadowed by this unfortunate event, as he transitioned from being the No. 1 overall pick during the 2004 draft to facing the aftermath of being scammed. His accolades include eight-time All Star and three-time defensive player of the year, culminating with his sole NBA title during the pandemic-affected 2019-20 season.
This incident also reverberated through the ranks of the WNBA, where discussions surrounding ownership and financial integrity are increasingly becoming central issues as the league continues to expand. The Atlanta Dream, which was co-owned by former Republican U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, was sold to new ownership following significant pressure from players advocating for social justice and equality.
Now, as the case moves toward the sentencing phase, expected at the beginning of next year, prosecutors have indicated they will seek to impose prison time ranging from 11 to 14 years for Darden. Analysts and observers alike will undoubtedly monitor the outcome of this high-profile saga as it demonstrates the potential perils of financial deceit, especially when it affects the lives and careers of athletes.
The saga may not end here, as the ripple effects of these deceitful actions could lead to increased calls for more stringent regulations and oversight within sports financial dealings. Howard and Parsons, having openly shared their experiences, may catalyze conversations about safeguarding athletes against future exploitation. The sports world is keeping watch to see how this case not only concludes for Darden but also remains a catalyst for change across the industry.
