Former University of Toledo players get probation for point-shaving scandal

Two former University of Toledo basketball players have been sentenced to probation in light of a point-shaving scandal that rocked the school 10 years ago. Sammy Villegas and Anton Currie received their sentences earlier this week after admitting to their involvement in the case in federal court. Villegas and Currie are two of seven former members of the Toledo Rockets, including three former football players, who will be sentenced this spring.

The two former players admitted that they received thousands of dollars from a local gambling kingpin, identified as Ghazi “Gary” Manni, in exchange for throwing away games when they were members of the team. Villegas reportedly received anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 from 2004 to 2006 while Currie accepted $1,000 and $2,000 in cash and groceries.

An investigation was eventually opened about the case and when it appeared that he could face as much as 30 months in prison under sentencing guidelines if found guilty, Villegas pre-emptively acted, pleading guilty to conspiracy in 2008 and helping the FBI in their investigation.

The former player also admitted in court that he received $300 to $400 from Manni after a fixed Toledo game. In a separate incident, Villegas came clean that he intentionally missed two free throws late in one game against Central Michigan to manipulate score, which ended up being a 78-62 win over the Chippewas.