A man from Georgia has received a 12-year prison sentence for defrauding millions from a possible basketball hall of fame.
Three-time defensive player of the year Dwight Howard testified in court that he provided Calvin Darden Jr. with $7 million, believing it was an investment for acquiring the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
Eight-time All-Star Howard discovered that Darden was not the owner of the team when ESPN reported its sale to an investment group.
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Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard makes a phone call on December 21, 2011, during a preseason game with the Miami Heat at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Prosecutors alleged that Darden and the sports agent instructed former NBA player Chandler Parsons to transfer $1 million intended to aid in the development of James Wiseman, selected second overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft.
However, they did not have a connection with Wiseman, and the players had not consented to their representation, as they contended to Parsons. Wiseman was traded to the Toronto Raptors after his time with the Indiana Pacers.
A federal judge in Manhattan ordered Darden on Thursday to forfeit $8 million in illicit gains, which included $600,000 worth of artwork for the $3.7 million Atlanta House, Jean Michel Basquiat, a Lamborghini, and a Rolls-Royce.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Dwight Howard prepares for his game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022. (Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Darden was found guilty in October on various charges of fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
Prior to this, Darden had received a one-year sentence in federal prison in New York for failing to place a bid to acquire Maxim Magazine.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Dwight Howard plays against the Orlando Magic on January 21, 2022, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. (Gary Basing via Getty Images/nbae)
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The Atlanta Dream was previously co-owned by former Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who faced pressure to sell due to conflicts with players regarding the league’s racial justice initiatives.
Howard was selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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